Mechem's Titans vs Steelers Preview
by Mechem on Sep 7, 2009 9:50 PM EDT
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PrintThanks to Mechem for an excellent early preview that is full of great tidbits on what to expect for Thursday's season opener. Be sure to stop back this week as the content, analysis, and news will be flowing fast and furious in preperation for the Week One Match-Up versus the Tennesse Titans. (DYM)
The much anticipated beginning to the NFL season is almost upon us. Yes in just 3 days we will be watching the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans. The long offseason is over. Time for football. And really, could there be a better way to start the season than taking two very similar, very potent teams with some bad blood and sour grapes, and smashing them together on primetime? I think not.
The last game ended up being a 17 point loss, but in reality, it was not nearly so bad on the field. I believe this game showed us that there are plenty of things that work against the Titans, and it can give us some clues as to what to expect on Thursday.
We also face the EXACT same team as last year. The Titans also return 20/22 starters. One of those that is gone is Albert Haynesworth, who we didnt play anyway. The other is Ryan Fowler, who started every game up until ours, and was replaced by Stephen Tulloch. Fowler was released the other day. So we literally face an identical opponent. Even recent acquisition Nate Washington is not a lock to play due to injury.
Breaking down the last game a little closer:
The passing statistic was quite interesting. Ben Roethlisberger went off to the tune of 25/39 for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quite a high set of numbers for him on all accounts. His counterpart Kerry Collins, kept the passing game low key. Mostly dink and dunk catches chewed up 215 yards, with just one pass over 20 yards.
The rushing of each team was relatively mild. The Titans averaged 3.8 per carry, and the dynamic duo of Smash and Dash got just 117 combined. 21 of which was a long break by Chris Johnson from a rare missed tackle by Ike Taylor. Our own Willie Parker was rendered mute by the Titans defense, as was rather expected. Interestingly though, Waltzing Mewelde Moore had a 9.3 yard per carry average, going 3 for 28 with a 17 yard long run in there.
Despite throwing for more yards, slowing the usually devastating Titans run game, rare GOOD punting by Berger (44 average, and 2 in the 20 on 5 attempts), and even winning the time of possession battle by just one minute, the Steelers lost handily. And this was due to several horribly timed turnovers. Mr Roethlisberger was harassed more or less all day, and this led to 4 fumbles. Two of his were lost.
In addition, Ben threw 2 interceptions. One was the game ending heave returned for a touchdown, further inflating the final score. But the other was costly, and gave the Titans much needed points.
Fast forward to Thursday. Where do I see this game heading:
I expect entirely to see us come right out with a lot of quick passing routes. Shortening the drops and keeping Ben upright should be a priority. While we did manage several passes deep, over 20 yards in the last game, Ben took way too many hits for that to continue. The short game worked then too, with Heath Miller getting 8 catches for 69 yards and only one over 15 yards.
This game will be an immense challenge for an offensive line, that will return 4/5 starters from last year. None of which stood out as being particularly great. But 3 of our starting linemen have new contracts, and hopefully they can form a core unit. This week will be a huge test, but if they pass, it should spell good things for the season to follow.
When the short passes are working, we can hopefully get the tight front 7 of the Titans to back off just a bit. This will open up the running game for "Finally Well Parker." In addition, I'm sure the coaching staff will be excited to mix in Mendenhall and perhaps Moore for some carries. As we saw, when Moore snuck in there, his change of pace resulted in big gains last time around. I expect the same with whoever we change up to.
Our offense should also be given the help of our new return man Stefan Logan. We had exactly a 1 yard per punt return average, and just 15 per kick return. Hopefully that changes.
Defensively, what worked last time will work again. I don't see much of a threat here. The one thing we will likely see is more attention towards Justin Gage. He quietly broke the 100 yard mark against us in the last game on just 5 receptions. He came up big on several 3rd downs, and every catch was a long one. He was the only one to break a long catch on us in that game, and so its important to isolate that and remove it. In addition, we need to bring the heat on the pass rush. Even man-beast James Harrison was held to our only sack, and nobody else got anywhere near Collins. With plenty of time, Collins will do his dink and dunk junk all day.
I foresee with a revised game plan, designed to prevent Ben taking a boof every other snap, we wont lose any fumbles to the Tennessee Titans. And in addition, Ben should have no problems with INTs. The one INT that mattered was from pressure. Ben chewed up their secondary otherwise.
Essentially this game comes down to our offensive line. Can they give Ben just a little more comfort room? Can Ben get rid of the ball if they cant? And can somebody on defense make a play when needed? Perhaps a Brett Keisel line tip that gets picked off, or a Polamalu INT out of nowhere? Kerry Collins is quite safe with the football, and therefore we need to elevate our game to win that Turnover battle.
Considering that the final score of the last one should have been 24-14, that is the score I predict for this game. Only the other way around. Were it not for that last desperate INT returned for a TD, that score would have happened. This last game felt worlds apart, but was very close. I think the Steelers close the gap, fix the only problem they had, and win this one in a tough fight.
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The Trenches
Last time, we let Big Ben take too many hits and sacks, which is even worse considering they did that without Big Al
Last time, their OL matched up well against our DL and LBs.
We need to hold our own line on offense, and exert more pressure on their OL to win this game.
I feel confident that this time around we will win the matchup up front. But if we cant get solid push on either side of the line, we will be in for a long day
Nice read by the way Mechem! Great stuff
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
Thanks
And a crucial piece of info I left out:
I hate em and they stank.
LOL
I thought something was missing
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 7, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha!
beat me to it. Great read. I like the set up to the big game. I hope that Len Whale gets a LaMarr or James cold clock when he’s not looking. Mike T is downplaying the media about the towel stomp. Most of those guys are starting again. Most of those guys look to the terrible towels as motivation. Most of those guys are looking for revenge. Like it or not titans. We’re coming for you big time. I hate em’ and they S-T-A-N-K STANK!
Bring a towel to the game. Black or gold or yellow. If you don't have one buy one, If you can't buy one, dye one!!!
by SoCalSteelerFan on Sep 7, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
See...
…this is what happens when you’re intelligent and thorough in your musings, you end up missing the point entirely.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Sep 8, 2009 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Our passing game was very effective against Tennessee
If we can give Ben a bit more time and the running game is a credible threat, the offense should put up enough points to win, barring a defensive meltdown.
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.
Napoleon Bonaparte
by LV Steelers Fan on Sep 7, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions
Nicely done Mechem
Great preview Mechem. Last year both of our lines got their lunch handed to them after Ben’s early fumble on the first long drive. Ike had a bad day. Their TEs killed us on short routes. Kemo was especially awful but even Harrison and Woodley were handled easily by the Tennesee OTs. I expect both guys to be burning for a little personal revenge and of course Lebeau will be cranking up something special after a vanilla preseason and lots of time to prepare.
Really enjoyed your write-up and look forward to them being a regular feature.
Glad you guys like
And yes the hating and stanking was so much that I almost couldnt fit it in this write up!
Both lines did suffer and I think that ultimately was our weakness last time around. I dont honestly expect a TON of improvement on the offensive line. Im one to predict that the team too knows they dont have Peyton Manning’s line out there, so they need to make quick reads and fast throws.
Pass to set up the Run… worked for us before. Thats what I’m predicting anyway.
Titans have a very underrated group of WR
But a QB who can probably not throw a ball over 50 yards anymore. Collins may pick you all apart with 8-13 yard passes all game. Chris Johnson on the screen pass will be unstoppable and you all will lose 27-17.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
The screen does work, but....
But our guys close to the ball quite fast and usually screens dont eat us alive.
And again I think Collins will get his 200 yards on those shorties, but ultimately red zone defense will be the tale of the day.
Even after one of our key turnovers in the last game, close to our own goal, the D stood up and kept it to only a 3 point hit. We have a very solid RZ D and I expect the Titans will have a tough time getting in. Rob Bironas will have a good day.
Plus
We were at the end of the season last year and we had already clinched. Our boys were winded and were a little more loose in their play. This time, it’s a whole new ball game. We’re fresh and hungry.
This is Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu getting knocked around by the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii yesterday...
Minutes later, Troy caught the ocean going over the middle and smacked it right in the mouth. The ocean fumbled, Troy recovered and ran it into the endzone. The ocean never messed with Troy again.
To be fair
So were the Titans last year, and so will be the Titans this year.
by John Stephens on Sep 8, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
valid point
Paulamalu speaks a true statement, but it did kinda equal out. Which is why I left it out entirely. As I did the Towel incident.
Cant wait.
Although Jeff Fisher frightens me because He seems to do well Vs. us, I can easily see The Steelers Shutn down the Run game, and after that id hope to see Kerry K hustled into maken picks. the last game sucked and im just hopin for another season opening W . Im going to the game so im sorta jackd out my mind rite now, cant wait to hear RENEGADE! Question: anyone think well represent with the vintage yellow helmet Style? or stay Traditional? Im trying to envision… Great writeup btw
is Perenialness a word? cuz if so, thats what the stillers got. perenialness
I know it's already been mentioned, but...
We had a gauntlet of tough games before that Tennessee game last year. At NE, Dallas, at Baltimore. This game will be a totally different story. We were leading that game in the second half, I think we just finally ran out of gas in that one. We will get on top of them, force a couple turnovers, and open 2009 in a proper way
Steelers 27 Titans 13
13 years and no playoff wins for the Dallas Cowboys... SWEET!
+1
I thought I was going to be a really smart guy and make this same point but you beat me to it.
Leading up to last year’s game, while we were playing @NE, Dallas, and @ Baltimore here was the Titans schedule: @ Detroit, Cleveland, @ Houston.
I respect Fisher and the Titans but felt we were the better team then and are the better team now.
by Steelers in XLIV on Sep 8, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Never realized that about the schedules
That definitely gives me a boost in confidence for Thursday.
by John Stephens on Sep 8, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Good point, but
I don’t think you even went far enough back. Prior to that game, we had faced, in order: Giants, Redskins, Colts, Chargers, Bengals, Patriots, Cowboys, and Ravens. That’s an 8 game stretch of 4 playoff teams, 2 that were fighting for a playoff spot at the time and were desperate, and the Redskins, who looked like they were headed for the playoffs coming into that game but faded down the stretch. Yeah, the Bengals were in there, but that’s 7 quality opponents in 8 weeks, prior to the Titans game.
I can’t remember another team ever facing a tougher stretch of football. That was 3 of the last 4 SB champions in that run.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 8, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Good point
That was something I didn’t acknowledge. We all know we had a brutal schedule all year. Course when you write that list down, I get shudders.
Titans had a very easy schedule all year.
I typically dont look back more than a week or two though. We had the Ravens the week before, which is a HUGE physical test. Thats as far back as I feel you need to go with it.
I almost all the time agree with WP, but those Bengals put alot of heat in many good teams,so
even “those Ben-gals” were there to give Us a hard almost solid game, finally the mental ladder play against them and We have that W. BTW all that game felt in reach until BB last INT.
Nicely done, even your P.S., GREAT reading Mechem. U got my vote.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
DYM
Clean up one or two clunky sentences and move this bad boy to the front page. Good work Mechem! Finally something that reads like football.
Crystal ball says...not good
Maybe my expectations are low for this game so that no matter what happens I won’t be disappointed with the beginning of football season. Nevertheless, I see a loss for the Steelers.
The Steelers just don’t stack up well against the Titans. They are usually fine against the deep ball but vulnerable to dink and dunk (Old Man Collins’ style). We have beastly rushers off the edge but the Titans have phenomenal tackles. Our line is a weakness and the Titans have a great pass rush from the D line. I think the Steelers lose this first game despite a great season to come.
by CarlWeathersMustache on Sep 8, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions
Yikes, you said what I feared saying
I don’t like where Ben is at so far. I hope he proves me wrong, but his arm strength still seems to be an issue to me.
I said this in another post — in the Buffalo game, all of his passes were behind his receivers and Sweed and Hines made great catches to bail him out. If he ends up having to throw long, we’re in trouble.
And, throwing short won’t loosen up the line for the run.
I think the Offense is in for a long and miserable day, and it will be up to our defense to save the day. They are certainly capable of doing that. But the bend and don’t break defense is going to yield a bunch of field goals, and every now and then a touch down. The Titans do match up well against us. (Though I confess I haven’t seen any of their preseason action, and I don’t think they were as good as their record indicated last year… Kerry Collins is a capable QB, but he doesn’t scare me. At all.)
I look for Ben to have a couple in INTs that we will need to withstand to win this game. If Logan can bust one, I feel better…Especially at home, that would be huge.
We’ll see… as I said… I am hoping I am wrong. But Ben seems to have taken the off season way too easy…
I disagree
Ben’s conditioning seems fine to me. The 3rd preseason game he was efficient and smooth against opposing starters. He’s looked just fine in all playing time. I’m sure he’ll be on point.
He usually comes out of the gate good. We almost always do. This team has a solid history of openers.
Yeah
I’m not too worried about pre-season numbers. In 2005, we heard how poorly the offense performed in pre-season, and then opened the season blowing out the Titans and Texans.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 8, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Numbers I agree
I couldn’t care less how many touchdowns Ben throws in pre-season.
Conditioning is a different matter.
We’ll know soon. FWIW, I hope I’m wrong…
the best thing about fisher is that cowher ended his playing career...
I always liked bill a little more for that. I see that fisher has pretty much nixed the mini-mullet that he used to sport. at least the new doo will pass for not being a mullet in tennessee! lol GO STEELERS!!! somebody tell those stankin punks that the terrible towel can also be used as a tourniquet in an emergency. they may need it.
Last year's game
meant little to the Steelers; they were thinking about the playoffs and weren’t going to show much to a potential playoff adversary (the Chuck Noll method). The Titans went for broke, and even then should have lost. Then they foolishly violated a cardinal rule – no bulletin board material! Act like you’ve been there before!
Well, payback is hell, and it’s coming: Sweed on the slant and Miller in the crease all day long, with some FWP magic.
My heros have always been Steelers...
SAT analogy time
The 2009 Titans are to the 2008 Titans as the 2007 Ravens are to the 2006 Ravens.
Steelers put up either 20 or 23 and the Titans score 6 or 10.
charity standing orders
My thoughts exactly
I think Tennessee is in for a long season. They avoided the injury bug (for the most part) all of last year. This year they won’t be so lucky. I think they end up in the basement of the AFC South.
Agree.
I mean it’s easy to look at the Titans record from last year and assume they will be good. But when you look at their players, I just don’t see the same thing happening again.
They remind me of JAX from 2007 to 2008. JAX had a great season based on strong D (but one that didn’t really have any stars), a game-manager QB (that had a great season but came back to earth the next year), below average WRs, and a very good running game. I think the Titans are the exact same team (Haynesworth was a star, he is not gone). If you look at that team on paper, how do you predict 12-4 last year and a playoff season this year? I know games aren’t played on paper and a team can overachieve…but you can only overachieve for so long. Most teams that have a great season, but you can’t really explain why, fall off the next year. Especially when you rely on OL and DL play, b/c those guys are often the ones that get injured.
I think they finish 3rd in the AFC South. And I’m expecting the same kind of drop off from Miami this year.
Look at the teams that have been consisently (more than one season) good recently:
Indy, NE, Pitt, DAL, PHI, NYG, and SD. All of those teams have bona fide stars at just about every position. Guys that consistently produce. And those teams have very limit holes.
Can you say the same thing about the Titans? Kerry Collins isn’t an issue at QB? WR isn’t a question mark? Relying on LenDale White as part of you RB duo is foolproof? A defense that plays well together but doesn’t really have perennial probolwers can’t fall off a little bit?
I'm not even sure I'd put SD on that list
They have the talent, but not the glue. Dallas is also similar.
I agree w HouPA about titans but also think that the patriots get way too greedy and they are going to suffer
because give Seymour to the Raiders, with Bruschi out that will affect all that team, maybe we can´t have our revenge against those putrids, b/c they will endup been 3º w Jets 1º.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
I figure there will be some concern
We got whacked by Tenn last time, so I think it’s natural to fear what could happen here. It’s a different year though, and I believe the Titans are in a tough spot. Bulletin board material, matched with having to open on the road in the opening Thursday night game. I believe the home team has a bigger advantage than normal in this game.
13 years and no playoff wins for the Dallas Cowboys... SWEET!
Season Openers Fun Fact
This is the sixth year that the NFL has scheduled the Thursday night season opener at the home of the defending champion.
The defending champ is 5-0 in those Thursday night Week 1 games.
Any road game against a quality opponent is tough, of course, but man, coming into the house of the reigning champ in for a Week 1 night game is incredibly hard.
by Steelers in XLIV on Sep 8, 2009 11:43 AM EDT reply actions
Off-topic, but did anyone notice
that the Packers waived Anthony Smith? He was picked up by the Rams. Says a lot about the Rams…
My heros have always been Steelers...
great article mechem
although I didn’t know we got a new oc so where is the revised game plan going to come from? Not sure if anybody else has ever noticed this but pittsburgh teams are generally not good in the streak games, i.e. 5-0 in thursday night week 1 games. Not sure why they just always seem to not do well. I actually was pretty exited till i saw that but who knows.
although I didn’t know we got a new oc so where is the revised game plan going to come from?
Probably the same place our running game is going to come from. I just hope we can keep a guy as dominant as Jason Jones under 3 sacks this game.
charity standing orders
Not as worried
First off, and this is a rare BA defense, but he showed he could be creative. Our offensive game plan in the Chargers playoff was a bizarre POWER I formation most of the time, and FWP pounded them to powder.
The Superbowl, first half anyway, was full of great variety and unique play calls.
I think Tomlin will help more this year and I honestly believe BA is gonna get smarter. We DID win the super bowl, and at times he made good decisions.
As far as Jason Jones. I think we were probably too worried about Haynesworth. Im sure they have been studying this kid.
You like to project what you want to happen onto what you think will happen.
For one, we (truely bizarrely) punished the Chargers with the power running game in the regular season and we did the same thing against them in the playoffs. Even more bizarre, though, after having such success doing that, we switched back to the zone blocking game against a more athletic defense in the Super Bowl (the opposite of what you’d think he’d do) – and got squat out of it.
For two, yes, Arians pulled out a few new and effective plays in the Super Bowl and for one of the first times all season, exploited an opponent’s weakness, but he had no answer when all we needed was a few first downs. He’s had a few good sequences before (especially when he’s facing lousy defenses), but he’s the reason the offense is so frustratingly inconsistent.
He’s had plenty of time to “figure things out” or “get smarter” at the NFL level, so any improvements we seen in him at this point are going to be minimal, IMO. And if Tomlin knew anything about offense, he would have fired Arians and taken over last year.
charity standing orders
Hey I dont love the guy either
I dont expect a brilliant mastermind to evolve out of a primate in an offseason.
But he showed some signs of promise and I personally feel like we can get it going at least a little.
And in the first Chargers game, we ran well yes, but we didnt stick to it when it counted. In the playoffs we ran the bejeezus out of it and voila.
I just am saying I’ve seen some glimmers of hope in that hollow head
For two, yes, Arians pulled out a few new and effective plays in the Super Bowl and for one of the first times all season, exploited an opponent’s weakness, but he had no answer when all we needed was a few first downs.
Not sure I agree. The first half of the Super Bowl was really inspired play calling.
The problem was that when we went to the “Power Run Game” to suck the air out of the stadium, we just didn’t have it.
Likewise, the Defense went into a “Bend don’t break” mode and gave the Cardinals the first TD. Then Fitz hit a seam and was gone.
Point is, it was situational football. I hate it. I don’t see why you ever stop doing what is working… but I think the Steelers in the second half of the Super Bowl switched because they thought they could run out the clock. They had a nice lead. It kind of makes sense.
Except, of course, that our O-Line can’t impose their will on anyone.
After the Super Bowl, I am slowly re-evaluating BA. Not sure the running mess is his fault…
The real question is has Chris K. been studying him ...
He’s the one that made Jason Jones look like Reggie White.
Neutralizing the Pass Rush
I think the big test in this game is how the Steelers deal with the quick release and screens to neutralize the OLBs. Arizona did the same thing in the Super Bowl and I think they picked it up from the Titans game. If LeBeau comes up with a scheme to stop the quick passes, we should have a good season as teams will stop dinking and dunking. If not, it’s going to be a long year.
...and by long year you mean
10-6 with only the 3rd best defense in the NFL?
charity standing orders
Touche
Yes, you are correct, I maybe jaded. Long year being losing to the Ravens / Pats in the play offs.
I actually agree with you as far as the overall quality of the team – I feel like we’re destined to lose in the first or 2nd round of the playoffs. Teams can beat us in the passing game, but you need Moss/Welker or Fitz/Boldin to make it work. Stil, I hope LeBeau and Tomlin help this defense step up against the highest levels of competition, because #1 defense against everyone we won’t face in the playoffs isn’t a useful accomplishment. Also because we know that we can’t count on the offense.
charity standing orders
I don´t think that the patriots may even reach the PO, they already
got very greedy and also they maybe ending up in 3º, they have lost too many pieces in their defence, with maybe Jets in 1º. The ravens, may lose one with Cinci, and if we have a shot at the putrids in PO with Timmons healthy that is going to be fun.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
by YeOldeMexFan on Sep 10, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions
The game comes down to ...
who controls the line of scrimmage. Specifically, can the Steelers OL block their front four. Hopefully, Tomlin has made Chris K. watch this game over and over again, along with the Eagles game. I just wonder how smart this dude is at recognizing where pressure is coming from and then moving his feet while using good technique to block his man.
I saw him get jacked up by a DT from Buffalo and then he blew a block against Carolina the last game that got the RB buried. I think the move with Essex is an upgrade at RG, but to me, the jury is still out on Chris K. When you are that big and strong, no one should be pushing you back into the QB’s lap.
I also think M. Moore will be big in this game as far as blitz pick up and check downs. I also can’t see most teams’ 3rd and 4th CB staying with Wallace deep. I believe this is the type of game that K. Fox is built for — downhill and physical. Looking fwd to getting some get back. Also, you got to love it when your QB says he’s looking fwd to a game considering what a team did to you the previous year.
Great call
It will be interesting to see how the left side of the line will preform. The right side seemed to come together during the pre-season, but Chris K and Max Starks did not look very impressive. It would be ideal to see them keep Ben on his feet if nothing else. I am concerned not just about sacks but about big hits.
On the defensive side of the ball we were able to get to Collins just once last year. Considering that Collins was only sacked 8 times in 16 games that wasn’t bad, but we will have to do better this time around. Bottom line if Collins hits the ground more than Ben I think it’s an easy win for us. If its the other way around – we can still pull it out – but it will be much tougher.
Also can we agree that win or lose we try to keep a bit of perspective on this. I have a sense that if the Steelers lose this one we will hear a whole lot from the sky is falling crowd and I just don’t have patience for that level of discourse.
by SteelerBuddha on Sep 8, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think Starks belongs over there personally
I think to me keeping Starks at left is a mistake. He was originally quite good at RT. I think he needs to be there.
That having been said Idk who you put in on left that will be any better.
And Kemo, hes just stupid sometimes.
any word on Timmons
I think Fox can manage but it would be nice to have especially with those screens to CJ nice to have the close down speed
No Timmons
He was limping in practice, first attempt to put any weight on it in motion. High ankle sprains are typically 4-6 weeks, possibly longer, rarely much shorter. They have down-played the injury so perhaps it’s not serious but I’ll be surprised if he’s back before the fourth game. He’ll be missed in pass coverage vs. tight ends and in pursuit of screens, flat passes to Johnson.
by steeler.lifer on Sep 8, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Others have already mentioned it
And I agree: the Steelers didn’t need to win this matchup last season and they knew it.
I think it’s likely they viewed this game as a relatively safe time to try out some things they might want to use during the ’08 playoffs. Of course, lost fumbles and INTs were not exactly part of the game plan, but hopefully learned they exactly what they needed (hey, for evidence just look at the playoff run), and they will take care of business Thursday night to emerge with a satisfying 1-0 start to the 2009 season.
"That's why they play the game."
Dink & Dunk
It might be wishful thinking…but in both our recent games against the Cards, Dick LeBeau saw Kurt Warner work the short underneath game masterfully (but thankfully not well enought:<). Perhaps Ken Whisenhunt identified the dink & dunk as our 3/4 weakness? I’m hoping that Dick made the needed adjustments to counter this strategy. Thursday’s game should provide the answer. It’ll definitely be interesting. Is everyone cranked?!!! Go Steelers!!!
Doesnt even matter
It wasnt dink and dunk that hurt us in the SB. It was the changing of how we held up Fitty, and thats what lead to his raping of us at the end.
We can deal with the dink and dunk all day. Our D locks down when they get far enough. See James Harrison Super Bowl INT.
The match between offense and defense in the short passing game is all about mistakes:
On defense, can you tackle when they complete a short pass? Can you avoid blowing a coverage downfield? The offense isn’t going to complete all of its passes, and if they aren’t getting big RAC gains, most of their drives will eventually bog down with a series like “incompletion, 7 yard pass, incompletion.” The Brady offense is built around waiting for the defense to make a mistake. So are the Cardinals and Colts.
In our better games last year we tackled well and didn’t blow coverages. At times in the Cardinals and Colts games, we failed on both accounts.
charity standing orders
I agree with this. The dink & dunk doesn’t work for teams unless they also have the ability to hit a home run when the D moves up. That’s why ARZ and NE are so good. They have (1) a QB who is accurate on the short stuff (minimizing incompletions and keeping drives alive), and (2) WRs who can burn you deep at some opportune time.
I would argue that the Titans have neither. Collins can throw a nice deep ball, but he doesn’t have WRs that consistently get open. And Collins is not that accurate on short passes and seems to lack touch.
3rd Down D
+1 45. Tackle and find a way to get off the field.
They have to find a way to get off the field on 3rd down. That starts with pressure. 92 & 56 are key along with the scheme LeBeau devises.
IMO the Steelers always get killed by the O that says “ok Steelers. We admit it. We CAN’T run on you. We’re going to spread it out 4 and 5 wide and throw the ball 56 times.” Gannon in 02. Brady in 03 and 04. That is what I feared in XLIII. Whiz knowing to abandon the run from the opening kick. He didn’t spread it out until the 4th and the Steelers won at the gun.
Against the Titans the Steelers will need to line up to stop the run. Fisher’s going to try to run it. They will need to respect the Titan running game as it is formidable. The DBs will then need to tackle and stop the dink and dunk. It will then be a game of who makes the mistakes. Last time in Ten it was Ben and the O line. This time at the confluence it could be Kerry. Can’t wait for kickoff. Steelers 3 Titans 2.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
think
…well wear the yellow helmets? : )
is Perenialness a word? cuz if so, thats what the stillers got. perenialness
Thanks for the bumpy!
Much appreciated and glad you guys liked it.
I know I opted not to throw EVERY single detail into this preview. Such is my style. I prefer to not eat the whole ham and leave you guys some slices to dig into to.
Plus there are simply some elements I feel are more important than others I suppose.
But I like to go quality over quantity. First one of the year, and seeing as you like it, hopefully I can make a better one next week!
Make no mistake
This will be one tough game to win, and it most certainly is one we can win. My biggest factor for this weeks’ game, like Mechem’s are to keep Ben upright and to knock Kerry Collins down.
I certainly think there will be some emotions on the field coming into this one. I know what little has been said from our guys, downplaying the whole towel stomping incident, which is professional and classy, but I don’t believe for one second that some Steelers won’t be searching for 25, 53, and 90.
I’ve done this before and the past and I’ll do so again, but this video (2:04-2:08 in particular) proves my point (2:30 to the end competely sums up Joey Porter in ac couple of sentences). Sure Joey Porter is gone, but James Farrior, James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Troy Polamau, and the entire Defensive Line were all there for that, Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Willie Parker, Hines Ward and several linemen and backups all remeber, and just like Peezy says “When he did that, it struck a nerve with our entire team. I believe it was the Superbowl XL: America’s Game documentary that revealed that Bill Cowher, in pregame preparations for that Wildcard Playoff week against the Bengals, just showed the clip of Housh wiping his feet with the towel, over and over again; The Bengals have yet to have a winning season since that game. So I don’t think for a minute that what happened last year has been completely forgotten, and I think it really hits the point home when Titans CB, Cortland Finnegan ”http://gridironfans.com/forums/latest-nfl-headlines/97559-cortland-finnegan-calls-out-towel-stomping-titans.html" target="new">reprimanded White, Bullock and co for their actions (for the record, I liked Finnegan before he said that; he came up big in some fantasy football games for me, and he kinda reminds me of what Hines Ward would be like as a DB).
Anyway, emotions and stupidity aside, I can’t wait for Thursday and the kickoff to what could be yet another stellar Steeler season.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 8, 2009 6:18 PM EDT reply actions
not sure why that link didn't come out right for me
But the link to the Finnegan part is here.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 8, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Woodley's opinion:
So what did running back LenDale White do Sunday? He said he will do it again [towel stomp] if given the opportunity Thursday when the Titans visit the Steelers.
Woodley:
“Sometimes when you come in here and you’re doing a lot of talking you better be ready to back it up because our defense will be coming out there to play,” outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley said Monday of White’s comments.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_642006.html
The decorum here won’t permit me to share my thoughts in much detail, but suffice to say I am looking forward to seeing Woodley deal out some “rollercoaster” rides on Thursday night.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
LaMarr Woodley
Man, this guys just flat out kicks ass, has been my favorite player for a while now, and he just keeps saying the things I’d want him to say. What a great pickup by Colbert.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 8, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
nice quote from Clark
But when you play us, whether you win or lose, you know you’ve been in a football game. You’re not going to leave the same," Clark said. “When you go home to your wife or girlfriend, she’s going to know you’ve been in a fight. That’s our goal every week.”
that’s a good one
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I love every word from Ryan Clark
Reason enough to resign him. Why havent we done that yet?
No Worries...revenge time
We lost what was a close game (for most of the game) to a decent team, on the road. Now we are the Defending Super Bowl Champs opening the season in our house against the team that dis-respected The Towel. I’m still so pissed off over that, that I could play linebacker in place of Timmons. This game is for you Myron…God Bless You and:
GO STEELERS!!!
Question
What’s round, yellow and white and full of 60,000 tear filled hanky towels….Three Rivers Stadium this Thursday night around 11 PM!!!!! Go Titans!!!
by PittsburgKNEELERS on Sep 8, 2009 8:21 PM EDT reply actions
Terrible towels for the crybabies
The steelers are going down on thu. bring thse terrible towels with u to cry into all night. We whipped u once and we will do it again. The squelers should send a big thank u to the titans for softening up the ravens so they could get to the super bowl anyway.
by TNTITANSbleedblue on Sep 8, 2009 9:41 PM EDT reply actions
I love it
The steelers are going down on thu. bring thse terrible towels with u to cry into all night. We whipped u once and we will do it again. The squelers should send a big thank u to the titans for softening up the ravens so they could get to the super bowl anyway.
Who are the “squelers”??
Were you too busy to proof-read this pile of crap before you posted it? I find that hard to believe.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Way to hang on to a meaningless regular season victory. If it were me, I’d still be upset my team blew the #1 seed in the playoffs.
When you look back on last season, that is your teams crowning achievement…securing the #1 seed and defacing a few terrible towels. Can you put those accomplishments in a trophy case?
Again, please define whipped
I like that you walked in here and didn’t bother to read a review of a game you should have just won by 10.
There was no whipping going on except from your defensive line. Which we credit you.
Dont expect it again.
Did Goodell already take the league beyond our borders?
To London or Toronto? No, in to the realm beyond our senses, beyond our dimensions, in to a parallel universe where time, fact and truth as we know them become vapor; where reason and logic fail; where someone thinks those hideous Titan uniforms were a good idea; where the blatantly illegal part of a forward lateral that unjustly robbed the last opportunity for Wade Phillips to not screw the pooch is conveniently forgotten; where last minute comebacks against Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl end in tragic Neil O’Donnell-esque fashion; where the toupee’ budget for ownership siphons the funds necessary to resign the stalwart defensive star: Tennessee.
Is anyone else expecting a massive drop off in performance from Kerry Collins?
Because I am. It happens all the time, unexpected starter comes in, plays very very well, but then the next season, after the opposing teams have scrambled to grab every bit of tape from last season on him, they suffer massive drop off.
Derek Anderson, CLE, Damon Huard did it with KC, Shaun Hill with SF (another person im expecting a downer from)
Kerry Collins is a little more accomplished than those above, but there is a reason why he never stayed still in one place, and it is that he is inconsistant as hell! He is a journeyman and a stop gap no doubt
The defense is not going to be as potent in that players like Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin are not as well kept secrets as they were last year. The defensive unit is minus Albert Haynesworth, and if they arent nearly as good as last years unit, Collins will be relied upon to sling his way to victory rather than dink and dunk.
I’ll believe it when I see it. Tennessee finish 3rd in the division. Book it.
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
Agree.
As I mentioned above, TEN reminds me a lot of JAX from 2007 to 2008. They just don’t really have the players that you can say are going to be consistently good. Bullock, Finnegan, Griffin, Chris Johnson, etc. are all nice players…but do you see a TP, Harrison, Big Ben, or Hines on that roster?
I’m not saying that it isn’t possible for TEN’s players to surprise me and perform at a high level again, but can you expect it at this point…when they’ve really only done it for 1 year? I don’t think you can.
Basically, they are an average team that overachieved last year. That roster did not equate into the best record in the league last year. No way. And it doesn’t this year. I expect them at 3rd in the AFC South too.
I dont see it actually
They have a tougher schedule so they will drop anyway. But Collins had pretty tame numbers all last year anyway. 12 TDs and like 2400 yards. Thats pretty quiet stuff.
I dont forsee a drop off on his numbers. In fact, I’m willing to bet they may go up as they meet stingier rush defenses, and have to pass out of necessity.
With plenty of time, Collins will do his dink and dunk junk all day.
were you trying to rhyme then?? :)
I am not concerned about our return play, our ST may have just found their star in Logan. we’ll see how the O line does with some fresh blood.
I want to take a poll on how long until they regret cutting Redman (yes, I’m still on it!), and how long it takes Frank the Tank to deserve that spot.
I will be seeing which of the rookies will settle into their new spots, content they’re on the team….and which will still work to get their names in the papers.
Ima hitch onto your wave :)
I've noticed how the opening series action bomb affects the defense
The ones that come to mind are:
Indy in 2005: Manning hits Harrison surprising Taylor on the opening play. It’s good for a TD and the defense took awhile to settle in. It was too late however.
Cincy 2006 playoffs: Palmer hits Chris Henry for 66 yards on the second play of their first series. Palmer went out, but it took the defense awhile to settle down.
Redskins preseason: Campbell went deep on the first play surprising Polamalu. The ball was underthrown and Troy broke it up. Still it ook the defense awhile to settle down.
These are the only instances I can think of off the top of my head but they made me think. Will Tennessee go up top play action on the first (or second) play instead of trying to establish the run first? If they do it may take the defense awhile to settle down.
I’m thinking they will start their first series play action going up top. On the flip side, I would like to see us go play action first play and run one of those youngens Sweed or Wallace deep.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
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