Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers: BTSC's 5 Thing To Watch For
by Michael Bean on Sep 10, 2009 4:23 PM EDT
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PrintJust as it sounds, here are five aspects of the game I've been thinking about and will be keeping an eye on when the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the 2009 season tonight at Heinz Field.
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How will the defensive line look against a Titans offensive line that is one of the league's better units. Tennessee manhandled the Steelers front-7 last year for the most part and I'll be curious to see what happens this time around. We'd like to all think that Pittsburgh's defense will once again be extraordinarily stout in 2009, but lots of that depends on the play of Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith. They're all great players but they're also a year older. After last year's dominating performance by all three, it's been tempting to assume they'll be able to do it once more. We'll see. I'm concerned about the Titans being able to run the ball in between the tackles this evening.
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Who wants to properly introduce and ingratiate themselves to Steeler Nation tonight? Which of the rookies or young players are going to make that big 3rd down play on offense, nasty tackle on special teams or momentum-changing play on defense? There's lots and lots of candidates out there and it's hard to see the Steelers winning without someone like Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, Stefan Logan, Ziggy Hood, etc. making a play or two.
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All eyes on Bruce. If there's one game each year where an offensive coordinator should absolutely have his best possible game plan ready, it's got to be opening week. Teams have kept it very close to the vest this preseason - on both sides of the ball admittedly. But perfect offense always beats great defense and I'm hoping Bruce Arians has an outstanding, balanced game plan ready to go.
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If the offense isn't clicking, let's hope punter Daniel Sepulveda returns to action with a monster game. I think the Steelers learned just how valuable special teams play was last year; and how a big play on special teams can electrify a crowd and the whole team just like any other play. I'm eager to see if Sepulveda is capable of adding another dimension to that facet of the game. While we're on the subject though, I was pretty surprised by the decision to cut Anthony Madison, the team's special teams ace the past couple of years. It's up to a bunch of untested guys to now fill his place and not allow any drop off particularly on coverage units.
- Finally, what does Willie Parker have in store as he begins what appears to be his last season in Pittsburgh. FWP has always proved his doubters wrong and it appears that the organization no longer believes he fits in to their future plans. It's not clear just how healthy or dinged up he is, but if he does get 12-16 carries and is feeling well physically, I'd expect him to try to flash some of his old self and break off one of those patented 25+ yard runs to the outside when it looks as if there's nothing there at all. I'd also expect him to be more animated than usual if he is able to break off some nice runs. Regardless of what transpires, I'll be cheering for him bigtime.
Go Steelers!
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On #2
I kinda wonder if any of the rooks/youngsters will do the exact opposite and potentially draw the wrath of the Nation and rekindle the groundswell for Redman and others.
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
You know that
any type of sub-par game by Mendenhall is going to restart the debate. Not to say that Mendy doesn’t have a relatively short time to show us something, but I don’t happen to think that time frame is one game against Tennessee.
Watch out for me in your open thread as well……I will make sure you all see when Titans win 27-17
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Big mistake. You think you’ve seen trolling from me? You aint seen trolling yet!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
ohhhhhhhhhhhh, you found out my secret. You little sneakster
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
That's not a fish.
That’s his girlfriend, prettiest lady in Baltimore.
by Phantaskippy on Sep 10, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I always wondered what happened to her, My Mom told me she died and they flushed her down the toilet.
by Phantaskippy on Sep 11, 2009 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions
oooohhh
we are so worried about it, mr. “my-team-lost-to-your-team-three-times-in-one-season”
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
6. How is the offensive line going to look?
I’m looking forward to/deperately hoping to see some power running behind Essex, Colon and Johnson – let’s knock some dudes flat, guys!
Agree
I’m watching the offensive line very closely. If I recall, Haynesworth did not play last year in this game, yet the Titans DLine still dominated. I want to see improvement from Colon and Kemoeatu and I want to see Essex have a good start to the season.
you recall correctly
if kemo can just keep his head in the game, I think we’re fine – I’d love to see us come out and play some serious physical football and set up for some playaction later…
I dont think our running game will take off that well. Our preseason performance wasn’t so great. granted, its preseason but I have a feeling they really wanted to see the Oline at least get some push. which barely happened.
I do have to say that the goal line performance was better than last year. but that maybe because its preseason.
I do think, however, that our pass protection has improved. just watching the games and how we played in the 3rd pre game I saw that our pass protection wasn’t as bad.
Right side of the line
Looked decent enough in limited action. I thought they ran well behind Essex and Colon at times. Left side of the line looked pretty weak. But I agree, I would be very pleasantly surprised to see us get much of anything against this Titans squad on the ground. Ben will have to earn this one in the air.
by SteelerBuddha on Sep 10, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Re Willie Parker
He’s not going to be any fresher than this all season, but the guy seemingly can do no wrong in Pittsburgh with either fans or coaches.
The front office knows WP will have fewer yards and TDs than in 2008. Old RBs don’t get better or healthier.
Just checking....
How many 29 year old RBs have gotten healither and more productive at the age of 29. It’s a very, very short list.
It’s just what happens to RBs.
by JonathanJoseph on Sep 10, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I assume the answer would be the guys who had an O-line improve in front of them.
Willie Colon - top 2 RT in the NFL
Sorry...
but that’s an excuse. The OL was bad, but not that bad.
by JonathanJoseph on Sep 10, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Or maybe you have the name of that running back that put up tons of yards when willie was out?
Willie Colon - top 2 RT in the NFL
actually MeMo looked pretty good
but don’t worry, I’m not on the trade FWP bandwagon – unless we can get LeCharles Bentley in return, that is!
Moore put up a ton of yards, literally, when WP was out
But regardless, only a handful of RBs have increased their production at the age of 29. When injuries happen and production declines at that age, it’s not likely to come back.
Only a handful in history have done it and they are all HOF.
by JonathanJoseph on Sep 10, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
That's not true
It’s not common because RBs careers are short, but it does happen and they are not always HOF backs. Corey Dillon came back at the age of 30 from serious injuries to have his best season. Jamal Lewis has come back from injury to have three 1,000 yard seasons between the ages of 27-29. Fred Taylor came back from injury to have two great seasons at 30 and 31. Parker is 28 years old, not 29, and has less mileage on him going into this season than any of those three examples. No one is expecting him to match 2007 but it’s certainly possible for him to have a better season this year than last and there are other guys who have done it in recent history. I just picked three guys off the top of my head.
by steeler.lifer on Sep 10, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I've never been a fan...
of Willie Parker, but I am hoping that he has a point to prove this year and that we can take advantage of it. Still, I miss the Bus years.
Glad to see you back, Michael! :-)
thanks wendy :)
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Sep 10, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
X-Factors
We will win the game if one of the these three players has a big night:
Willie Parker- If FWP can get a solid ground game going and a TD, we’ll be moving in the right direction.
Limas Sweed-If Sweed comes up with the ball tonight, the Titans will have their plates full with the passing attack.
Stefan Logan-If Logan comes through with a return TD, and a couple nice returns the Titans will be in trouble.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 10, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions
I’d love to see FWP have a good game, but he rarely has good games against solid run defenses, even when he put the F in Fast. That’s just not where willie seems to excel.
Bottom line, as it should be every week: DO NOT TURN THE BALL OVER. Logan can return for a TD, Sweed can catch 5 for 75, and FWP can run for 150 yards. If we turn the ball over four times like last year, we won’t win. Ben needs to make smart decisions and tuck the ball. The O-line cannot allow the titans as many chances as last year.
If the titans D gets as much pessure as last year, Ben will turn the ball over and we will lose.
Willie Colon - top 2 RT in the NFL
Early games
The first month of the season is still a feeling out process. It takes that time for offense, defense, special teams to really get comfortable in real games.
Those early games usually aren’t pretty but you hope a few players step up, make plays, and get us the “W”.
May be toughest game of the year
But Steelers seem to shine under the lights at Heinz. And they are motivated. Last year’s game came after three tough very important games in a row and little was really at stake.
I’m looking for fire. A first quarter touchdown. Some Tenn 3 and outs. Logan under a punt. Holmes turning downfield. Hines in traffic. Miller bulling for a first down. Harrison strip sacks. Keisel paddling. Polamalu flying.
I’m ready for the Steelers!
remember a few years back
when we opened against tennesse and fast willie smashed their d into oblivion? not sayin he does it again tonight but it sure would be nice LETS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by MAN_OF_STEEL_86 on Sep 10, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions
The Draw Play
The steelers were running it during the pre season it will keep the pressure off of BB and keep the Titan D-line off balance also a couple of screens to Mendy in the flat will keep them in check as opposed to pin-ears back and attacking
Excellent questions
the second one is fantastic…Z-Hood’s gonna do something. Nothing more entertaining than watching the trenchmen snare a pick and chug like 60 yards.
I would like to see
1 Willie Parker get 120 yards, and quiet his haters.
2 MeMo be as great as he was last year.
3 Summers blowing some people up, creating a hole.
4 Mendy escape this game without a fumble or injury, to give a confidence boost.
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Sep 10, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions
Alll 4 of these things are unlikely to happen in one game.
If FWP gets 120 then Mendy won’t be on the field much.
Memo won’t see a lot of 3rd downs if FWP is blowing it up.
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile - Albert Einstein.
I want to see
FWP run for over 200 yards
Ben throw for over 400 yards
Reed make 6 field goals
The 2nd string play the whole second half
Lecharles Bentley
You always find a way to make me smile.
by Phantaskippy on Sep 10, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions
O-line
Somebody convince me our offensive line is not as bad as I think. I am really worried that this is more than the proverbial achilles heel, but more like an achilles torso that is easy to exploit. Talk me down off the panic ledge!
by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Sep 10, 2009 6:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
How about my friend Obi Wan
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Sep 10, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
*waving his extended hand*
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Sep 10, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
the force
Is only effective on the weak minded. (Ex. Ochocinco, Ray and them, Turd-O).
Good try though!
by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Sep 10, 2009 6:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I just heard some jackass
TenTeethTitan fan claim that since the Steelers didn’t beat the “best team in the NFL” during the regular season, that the Steelers could not polish their Super Bowl rings to much! BULLSHIT! Am I to believe that since the Tits couldn’t get it done in the playoffs that the Steelers accomplishment is somehow tarnished? Well of course I don’t believe that but I HATE stupid fans like that. Give me a friggin break.
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
whats up with the NFL Network putting Rod, Deon and Rich so close to the bad music. I can’t hear them. What’s up with the 2 story silver robot inflatable? Harry Connick as a sports guest? Franco promoting his sons mayoral run? When’s the game start!!!!
deion
I for one cannot understand a word he says.
by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Sep 10, 2009 7:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well done blitz. to your #5, I see where one could get the impression that this is FWP final season as Steeler. Despite the fact that he is playing this year without an extension, something tells me otherwise. He is a pretty good RB when healthy, and IF he stays healthy and puts up respectable #s (say, 1000 yrds, 8plus TD’s) this year, I think he re-signs with the club. He has indicated he wants to remain a Steeler.
As with any starter, so much rides on staying healthy. #39 has gotten off to some FAST starts throughout his career and I am look for him to have a big game tonight, and for that matter, to produce somewhere in the vicinity of the aforementioned #‘s for the year. The kid has shown he can play football and there is no reason to think he doesn’t have plenty left in the tank.
While his YPC has dipped in recent years, so has the quality of our OL play, as has been brought up a time or two. With a little help from the guys up front, he will show that he can be a productive RB in this league.
Against a damn good, well coached titans club, the Steelers will more than likely have to pass to set up the run. My point is that, health+improvement along the OL will determine whether #39 stays.
Granted, if he gets banged up this year and misses opportunities then he will have to take a cut in pay to stay with the club. which still seems plausible to me.
Cheers Steeler fans! lets get it on!
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