Steelers-Titans Preview

Sep 15, 2010

The Pittsburgh Steelers are just days away from test number two– the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers hung on without Roethlisberger in week one in an over-time win courtesy of a game saving 50-yard touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall. This time the Steelers will test their skills out in Nashville as they take on the Titans, who also won last week.

The Steelers and Titans are no longer competitors in the AFC Central. However, the rivalry has not been forgotten. Titans coach Jeff Fisher is likely to bring out the films and remind his team of the hard-hitting plays and rivalries that are about to head their way.

With an all-time record of 1-8 in Tennessee, this game will undoubtedly be a test of all the Steelers have or do not have. Going into this game as a 5.5 point underdog, the Steelers are going to need Dennis Dixon to play a little better than just good enough.

Will the tables turn? At the end of the day on Sunday, one of these two teams will go 2-0. This may be a surprising feat for either team. Last year, the Titans found themselves in a deep hole to start the season. They started last year with a “perfect” 0-6 record. Now if the Steelers, on the other hand, can pull off another win without Roethlisberger the NFL will be in for a surprise.

With a similar quarterback style, look for both Vince Young and Dennis Dixon to get outside the pocket often in order to keep the defenses off-balanced. Young is coming off a strong season-opener with a passer rating of 142.8 (which currently is leading the league) and then you have Dixon. His play wasn’t amazing but the Steelers do have one in the win column courtesy of his efforts.

Key Players:

Titans. Be on the look out for Chris Johnson, RB. He has had twelve consecutive 100-yard games and started off strong with 142-yards last week. However, the Steelers have been known to provide a bit of a challenge for Johnson. Safety Michael Griffin may have struggled in 2009. However, he was strong in the opener with twelve tackles and a fumble recovery. Depending upon his coverage, this may play a huge role in how comfortable Dixon is able to get. Jason Jones has looked amazing so far this season. In 2008, he was extremely disruptive against the Steelers with 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Steelers. Obviously, Dennis Dixon could be a game maker or a game breaker. Originally slated to be Pittsburgh’s third quarterback, he has found himself unexpectantly in the spotlight. Dixon held up last week but he is going to need to rev it up a notch to avoid the challenges the Titans will throw to this less-than-experienced quarterback. Rashard Mendenhall won it for the Steelers last week. Look for him to run strong and break tackles this week. With Max Starks out with a high ankle sprain, look for LT Jonathan Scott to fill his shoes. This is a big responsibility. Scott will be blocking Dixon’s blind side. This is a key role considering Dixon was sacked three times in week 1.

As the Steelers find themselves with their backs against a wall and the underdog (at least until Roethlisberger makes his return) and the Titans are looking to be the surprise team in the AFC, it is guaranteed to be an interesting match up.