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The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 of the preseason, and that means the starters finally saw the field!
While many sites like to sit back, breathe, and digest the game that just ended, we here at BTSC prefer to show you our knee jerk reactions, as well as our more in-depth analysis in the days following the conclusion of the game.
This is usually Bryan Anthony Davis’ job for BTSC, but he is on vacation, so that means you get my knee jerk reactions from the Steelers’ 16-6 win over the Titans.
Take a look at my initial thoughts on the Steelers’ latest game action:
1st Quarter
Great first drive by the Pittsburgh offense. Some big third-down conversions, but you can see the rust on several plays.
Ben Roethlisberger really wanted to go for it on 4th-and-3, but Tomlin punts. It is preseason for the coaches too.
The Steelers’ defense can’t be so predictable. Backed up in their own zone, Marcus Mariota completes a first down pass to give them breathing room, and a first down.
After a Stephon Tuitt sack, the Steelers’ defense gives up a 3rd-and-10...this isn’t doing much to help boos the confidence of the fan base.
Mariota and company are churning out first downs, but finally punt the football. Will Ben be back out for a second drive?
Yes...he is.
The Steelers offense looks as diverse as ever. Roethlisberger is spreading the ball around, and despite missed chances by Ben on a pass to Jesse James, and a huge drop by JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Steelers are proving how potent their offense can be.
Huge TD catch by Justin Hunter, not sure how the refs missed the call live...clearly got two feet in.
2nd Quarter
Good to see the Steelers’ defense FINALLY get a three-and-out. About flippin’ time.
Wow. Ben is back for a third series. Gotta say I’m surprised.
If Ben has been missing tonight, it has been high. Not anything to worry about, but Jesse James just got flipped after a nice catch on a high pass.
JuJu vs. Adoree Jackson, college teammates, is a fun matchup to watch.
Steelers go for it on 4th-and-1, in the shotgun, and Roethlisberger’s pass for JuJu falls incomplete. So much for the just grind out a yard for a new set of downs.
Vince Williams with the sack. Steelers’ defense is getting to Mariota early and often.
Another three-and-out...I could get used to this.
Landry Jones takes over...and a bad snap kills the drive.
Jordan Berry, with two punts, has looked better than he did last week. Then again, I could punt the ball further than Berry did vs. the Packers last week.
Steelers’ defense is getting creative with their looks and sub packages. Matthew Thomas getting some looks in specific situations.
NICE INTERCEPTION BY TERRELL EDMUNDS!!
...and Justin Hunter not holding onto the football gives it right back to the Titans.
Another three-and-out, as the Steelers’ starting defense has played the entire half.
Landry with a chance with 1:11 to get some points. And he is doing nothing but checking it down...
Chris Boswell is good from 42-yards. And water is wet.
3rd Quarter
Surprised the Steelers’ starting defense, minus Stephon Tuitt, started the 2nd half. After a three-and-out, and a Cameron Heyward sack, I’ll suggest they call it a night...but what do I know?!
Mason Rudolph takes over, and Jaylen Samuels is the man so far in the second half. Looking good and decisive with his runs.
Chuks Okorafor getting recognized for all the wrong reasons. Holding in the red-zone...killer.
How about a Roosevelt Nix reception!!
Rudolph has looked good so far, but these holding calls in the red-zone are killers.
Boswell is good at kicking a football.
The more I watch Matthew Thomas, the more I feel he has a spot on this football team. Very athletic. Very versatile.
4th Quarter
My goodness, these penalty flags are ridiculous.
The Steelers’ third string offensive line isn’t giving Mason Rudolph a chance to even get to his second read at times. No time to pass at all.
However, Jaylen Samuels continues to look good running the football.
Matthew Thomas will make this team if for nothing more than his special teams play.
I am now reminded how poor the product is when fourth string players are on the field with regularity.
The would-be Titans’ touchdown, which would have been ruled out of bounds anyways, was a nightmare to watch. Glad it didn’t count.
Game over. 16-6 Steelers.
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What do you think of the game immediately after? Now is the time we re-watch the game and get a little more in-depth with our analysis. Let us know what you think in the comment section below!