Game clock runs off 18 seconds in error to start Steelers’ winning ..

The team hopes Franklin can return by October 24, when it gets into the AFC West portion of the schedule with a game against the Oakland Raiders. Three plays later, he hit Miller to set up the game-winning run, turning over a horrendous quarterbacking display through most of the game into a storybook ending, and a much-needed victory.

The unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals treated it like a playoff game.

But rather than opt for the field goal, Tomlin lined Bell up in a wildcat formation and the running back just got the ball over the line before he was grounded to snatch victory for the Steelers. On a short week, the Chargers have to travel to Lambeau Field for a showdown with the Packers next Sunday; the Steelers draw NFC West frontrunner Arizona, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are now tied for tenth on the futures list to win the Super Bowl with 40 to 1 odds, while San Diego is just a few spots below them at 65 to 1. “Let’s talk about the entire offense blocking better”. The fourth, though, was mesmerizing.

And for three quarters, they played like it, too: an interception in the end zone, a fumble returned for a touchdown, a long touchdown pass wiped out by a penalty.

After the Chargers kicked a late field goal to go up 20-17, they booted the ensuing kickoff into the end zone for a touchback with 2:56 remaining.

The Chargers even benefited from a mysteriously running clock that followed a touchback to start Pittsburgh’s final possession.

The San Diego Chargers host the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight.

But, Bell added, he didn’t want to give his team a chance to force overtime.

This was an important early game for both teams, who are staring up at surprising 5-0 teams in their respective divisions.

The Pittsburgh secondary has improved since the debacle against the Patriots in week one, but it is still a work in progress. Mike Tomlin, meet ulcer.

So far, Vick has subbed for Roethlisberger in one full game, and one quarter of another.

The Steelers reached the San Diego 38 in the closing two minutes of the half, but the drive stalled when Vick was sacked by defensive end Corey Liuget. He is the Steelers’ leading tackler. Haley didn’t have the option because it wasn’t Haley calling the final play.

The Chargers had been daring Vick to beat them deep all night, using aggressive press coverage at the line and often walking their safeties up to keep an eye on Bell. It had been two days since Utley’s takeout slide shattered his right leg. The Mets used their fallen teammate as a rallying point.

On the opposing side won’t be Ben Roethlisberger, who is still sidelined due to his injury. Fluker and Kenny Wiggins.

After grabbing three passes, including the history-making 12 yard score, on their opening drive Gates and the Chargers offense sputtered against the always tough Pittsburgh defense.

The Steelers were facing a critical down on third and six from the 41-yard line when the Chargers defense failed to contain the pocket.

Rivers was 35 of 48 for 365 yards.

Still, the QB deserves far more pats on the back than criticism for his play. Boswell’s field goal was the first of his National Football League career. He did so, completing several quick passes with defenders in his face. Many Chargers fans scalp their tickets to big games to help recoup the costs of their season tickets.