Chargers 23, Steelers 13

Ready the rotund woman.

You know it's going to be a long game when Alan Faneca consistently gets manhandled in the trenches - future Hall of Famer Alan Faneca. Granted, Faneca had to block Pro Bowl tackle Jamal Williams, but Faneca, Hartings and Associates have consistently blocked the best tackles, ends and linebackers that the NFL could throw at them over the last 5 years.

It may be that the Steelers' season of ascendancy coming to an end.

Big Ben was under duress almost every time he dropped back to pass and Fast Willie was frequently hit in the backfield before he could get going north and south. It was a bad day for the Steelers' offensive line, and a bad day in the trenches rarely results in victory - it usually cues a Lane Bryant wardrobe malfunction.

The fat lady has not yet sung over the Steelers season, but the orchestra is preparing a set-piece aria and a big-boned soprano is swigging lemon juice in preparation for the Steelers' 4:15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. It's up to the Steelers to delay her entrance, stage left.