The first half revealed that concern about the kicking game was well-deserved. Rob Bironas missed two field goals of which one was blocked and Tennessee trailed 7-0 on the pass from Roethlisberger to Holmes. Absolutely infuriating for Titan fans after the team otherwise dominated the first half. The game resembled how Tennessee could so dominate Baltimore Ravens in two playoff losses and yet lose on the scoreboard.
Collins however did something unexpected, he brought the Titans back on passes to Britt and Gage that tied the game 7-7 with about 46 seconds remaining. Big Ben returned the favor bringing the Steelers to the Titan 43 yard line. That is when the Titan defense stiffened and sacked Ben for a loss that most assuredly left them without a chance for a field goal. The Steelers elected to go for it and Corteland Finnegan picked off the hail Mary and returned it to Pittsburg's 29 yd line where the first half ended.
Collins looked sharp except for the one pick. Rookie Kenny Britt looked great and Justin Gage looked good as well. I was impressed with both running backs for the Titans. White carried the ball well. He had better speed to the line of scrimmage and the weight loss has really improved his game. Chris Johnson was explosive and really showed why he is such a threat.
No one is able to score in the third quarter and so this looks to be an exciting nail biting finish. Two critical losses in the second half. Tennessee has lost Bo Sciafe with a strained left knee. Pittsburg has lost the dirtiest defensive player in the NFL, Troy Polamalu also with a knee injury.
The fourth quarter opens with Bironas being able to gain some redemption with a 47 yard field goal after the Titan drive stalls. Collins is looking very impressive 21/31 for 232 yds, 1 TD and 1 interception. Also impressive is Justin Gage despite one key drop in the previous Tennessee stalled drive. His catch on the last drive gave Tennessee the yardage they needed for the field goal. Crumpler made a couple of key catches but appears to be a little to heavy to break free from Pittsburg linebackers.
William Hayes tackle on a 3rd and 1 for the Steelers resulted in Pittsburg settling for the FG and the game tied 10-10. This may end with whoever has the ball last winning on a FG. Tennessee has 2:50 to take it the length of the field. It would be an 82 yd drive. Tennesse is forced to punt and the Steelers drive to easy FG range. In an effort to get it closer Roethlisberger hits Hine Ward on an apparent chip shot FG opportunity except Ward fumbles and Tennessee recovers running out the clock for OT.
Big Ben and the Steelers have looked virtually unstoppable the last three possesions. The prevent never works and still Tennessee secondary is leaving too much green between themselves and the receivers. Pittsburg continued to push the ball down the field and on Mike Wallace's catch to the 15 yard line the Steelers put the Titans out of their misery.
Tennessee's defense took a potential B+ to a C. The offense gets a B. The special teams and kicking game is a D- for Tennessee. This is a game Tennessee should have won. They beat the spread for all the gamblers out there but as far as I am concerned the Titans need a lot of work before playing the Texans at home next week. They will need the extra 10 days to get ready.
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climrev |
Posted on: September 15, 2009 10:42 pm
Tennessee Titan First Game Review C-SooStealer the fact is that Polamalu is agressive and I don't fault him for that. However the record speaks for itself. In April 2006 he was fined for late hits out of bounds and face mask penalties. In the Tennessee game he had another late hit if I am not mistaken. In an article from ESPN and the information from the Associated Press, Troy's contempt and dismissal of his flagrant hits was never more apparent than can be taken from this quote "I think regarding the evolution of football, it's becoming more and more flag football, two-hand touch," Polamalu said. "We've really lost the essence of what real American football is about. I think it's probably all about money. They're not really concerned about safety." Helmet hits, late hits out of bounds, are what have added to his persona. Pittsburg fans should love it the same way SanFrancisco Fan will stand behind Ronnie Lott. I won't discount their talent, their ability, or being considered the best, but as a former defensive back myself, hard hits are one thing but late hits and face masks out to be the exception and not the rule. |
SooSteelers9
Since: Sep 11, 2009 |
Posted on: September 14, 2009 11:34 pm
Tennessee Titan First Game Review C-How is Polamalu the "dirtiest defensive player in the NFL"? Cuz he hit a Titan on the sideline? That was a pretty marginal call even if you have homer glasses on. Have you got any examples? He plays hard and hits hard but dirty? You need evidence for that.
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