Crunch Time For Russell VS. Chargers

[CaliforniaSoxfan]

Per ESPN, Jamarcus Russell will be the starting QB against the San Diego Chargers. With Oaklands horrid line it could be a long day of looking up from the ground for the rookie QB. There are two good things that can come from this game though. #1 Russell gets to play against a top defense which will help his progression. #2 The Chargers should sit most of their starters by half time and the Raiders could show some life.

[mikesilvia]

Unless there is a first half blow out I don't see the Chargers letting up. They are playing for the #3 seed and home field advantage against the Steelers should they play them. On the flip side the pressure to FINALLY win a play off game may force Turner into resting a few players like LT. With Michael Turner and Sproles I would say it is still an awesome running combo.

[CaliforniaSoxfan]

Unless there is a first half blow out I don't see the Chargers letting up. They are playing for the #3 seed and home field advantage against the Steelers should they play them. On the flip side the pressure to FINALLY win a play off game may force Turner into resting a few players like LT. With Michael Turner and Sproles I would say it is still an awesome running combo.

It doesn't matter who the running back is against Oakland as anybody looks like a Pro-bowler running against our front 4. The defensive players are the guys I want to see sit down by half time. Primarily Merriman as that guy always kills us.

[newcombe]

I would say that Merriman might sit against the Chargers since he is battling a minor knee injury and they would rather have him fresh for the playoffs. I would also not be surprised if they rest Castillo as well as he played a limited amount of time versus the Broncos and played well. I would say the rest of the guys will play a minimum of a half and progressively pull them if the game is well in hand. A blow out is eminant in the first half but we shall see.

[bearfield]

i expect russell to be the same in this game as he was in training camp, a no show.