Steelers @ Titans.

[retro1530]

Most of the posts on the board are concerning Penn State and Pitt, and I don't have a problem with that, but I'd like to hear your thoughts about Sunday's game.

I was impressed with the Steelers defense against Atlanta and expect a near-similar performance this weekend. I however think Tennessee has a better defense than the Falcons - particularly on the defensive line and secondary - and it's in Tennessee, so I'd give the Titans the advantage.

Titans 17, Steelers 10

Anyone else have thoughts? I'm expecting a great game and wouldn't be surprised if you guys pulled it out either.

[Crimson09Crazy]

We have the defense to keep us in the game. I'm a big believer in Chris Johnson. He's hands down the best back in football right now. But I'm not sold on Vince Young and Nate Washington isn't the greatest wide receiver either. I think we can contain Johnson by that, i mean under 130 yards. And I'd dare Young to beat us, some people complained with our secondary in week 1, but Ryan is a good QB and got the ball out quick. We had 2 sacks and blitzed a ton. I think we can pressure Young and Polamalu will have a big game.


Offensively.....well I'm worried. Mendenhall had 70 yards in regulation. Dixon skipped some balls to the Receivers. We are missing both of our starting tackles, I mean come on. We are in trouble. We need Mewelde Moore to give us a better threat on 3rd downs, and Mendenhall to get more then 3 yards a carry. Ward and Wallace are reliable and Heath Miller may be the best Steeler. Dixon is going to get better and give us a chance. I'm still taking the Titans. Chris Johnson is too good, and our offense is mediocre.

[deliverance]

I think the Titans win this game by about 7-10 points. The Steelers defense looks poised to have a big year, but that offense is near atrocious. I'm not even sure if Roethlisberger will even solve the problems that they have offensively.

[retro1530]

Vince has improved tremendously since his rookie and second years in the league. He's a legitimate threat to run and throw the ball and has shown great touch on his deep ball. He was near flawless against Oakland, but then again, it was Oakland. Nate is looking like his favorite receiver based on last week and the pre-season and he looks (at least I hope) he's put the dropped passes behind him.

It'll be a pretty good game, can't wait.

[KirkHerbstreit]

I disagree with Deliverance. I think the Steelers offense will be very good with Roethlisberger. Dixon did just enough to get the job done, but I think with Atlanta stacking the line against the run and Dixon beginning the game throwing the ball into the feet of his receiver the O still had it's chances.

There is a lot of talent to be used especially if Pouncey solidifies the line.
Wallace is just a burner. The guys always open.
Ward is slowing down but still great over the middle
Miller is one of the most reliable tight ends in the league
Mendehall looks like he's the real deal
Redman looks good in short yardage and at fullback
Sprinkle in possession receivers Randle El and Battle and the potential of Sanders and Brown

Last weeks game was one of the most important first games of the year i can remember from the Steelers in my lifetime. Lose that game and go into Tennessee 0-1 it was almost a must win. I just think it was a great building block and if they happen to pull it out this week I think this team has the potential to do some damage.

I think the score will be 17-13 or 20-17 type of game. I'm gonna go with the Steelers.

[Crimson09Crazy]

At least on this level we can agree on a team. I think the Steelers offense CAN be good, doesn't mean it will be good. Pouncey isn't the only problem on the line.....Scott is starting thats a little problem and Flo Adams had a number of penalties. So I'm concerned. Mendenhall has the tools, but like i said 70 yards in regulation.....


The offense will get much better with Ben, but until week 5...we are gonna be a little slow.

[deliverance]

Mendehall looks like he's the real deal

He had one good carry. I'm just wondering what you saw that I didn't. He averaged 3 yards a carry in regulation. I really thought he would be the real deal when the Steelers drafted him, but I'm not a big believer in him anymore. Atlanta was 10th in rushing defense last year. I guess we'll see how he does this week.

[KirkHerbstreit]

I saw a guy who had a line stacked against him. Face it the Falcon's knew there wasn't much of a threat to pass. They put people at the line and 10th in the league against the rush isn't too bad. They also added Witherspoon to upgrade that unit in the draft. I didn't see many runs stuffed at the line. He managed to get positive yards and fought for everything. If you look up Jerome Bettis's stats you will see he had plenty of 70 yard rush days with a line stacked against him. The threat of a passing game makes a world of difference in a running game.

I agree Scott starting could be worrisome, but Flo had 1 penalty and played fairly solid overall. We will see what happens when he faces a speed rusher though.

[retro1530]

Tennessee's defensive line is much better than Atlanta's, and everyone stays fresh with the rotation line coach Jim Washburn uses.

Watch out for Jason Jones, defensive tackle for the Titans. He always seems to show up against the Steelers - 4 sacks his rookie year in 08, 1 sack last year.

[Dirt Winston]

The Steelers D likes challenges, and stopping Chris Johnson is a nice challenge. It should be fun to watch. With that said, I don't think the O scores enough to win.