Why the Titans Will Lose... Big

Question

First off, lets take a look at how the Titans were able to beat the Steelers in the now infamous "towel stomp" game in week 16 last year. Short answer? Turnovers.

The Steelers turned the ball over 4 times, including a interception returned for a TD. They brought lots of pressure and racked up 5 sacks. The Titans didn't turn the ball over at all, and made the Steelers defense look rather ordinary. Collins had all day to throw and was sacked once.

Makes the Titans +6.5 seem appealing, right? Wrong.

The Titans offense is solely based on success running the ball on first and second down. Actually, everything their offense does is basically based on play action and short third down conversions. I don't feel that they will have any success running the ball this tonight, leaving them in third and long situations that the Steelers will feast on.

Why? The Steelers run defense at home. Including the postseason, the Steelers gave up more than 100 TOTAL rushing yards twice, and not more than 106 yards all year. 72.1 yards at home on average.

The Titans are going to have to throw the ball much more than usual to win this game. Can Collins do this against the blitz on third down over and over? I doubt it. He is missing his #2 WR in ex Steeler Nate Washington, and have little depth with Brandon Jones and Justin McCareins gone.

Unless I'm totally wrong, (I'm sure a few of you believe I am) this game should end with a 14-17 point Steeler win. 27-13, 24-10, etc.

walktheline · Answer

First off, lets take a look at how the Titans were able to beat the Steelers in the now infamous "towel stomp" game in week 16 last year. Short answer? Turnovers.

The Steelers turned the ball over 4 times, including a interception returned for a TD. They brought lots of pressure and racked up 5 sacks. The Titans didn't turn the ball over at all, and made the Steelers defense look rather ordinary. Collins had all day to throw and was sacked once.

Makes the Titans +6.5 seem appealing, right? Wrong.

The Titans offense is solely based on success running the ball on first and second down. Actually, everything their offense does is basically based on play action and short third down conversions. I don't feel that they will have any success running the ball this tonight, leaving them in third and long situations that the Steelers will feast on.

Why? The Steelers run defense at home. Including the postseason, the Steelers gave up more than 100 TOTAL rushing yards twice, and not more than 106 yards all year. 72.1 yards at home on average.

The Titans are going to have to throw the ball much more than usual to win this game. Can Collins do this against the blitz on third down over and over? I doubt it. He is missing his #2 WR in ex Steeler Nate Washington, and have little depth with Brandon Jones and Justin McCareins gone.

Unless I'm totally wrong, (I'm sure a few of you believe I am) this game should end with a 14-17 point Steeler win. 27-13, 24-10, etc.

WussieMan · Answer

Location: Pennsylvania

walktheline · Answer

Wuss, no Steeler bias. I fade them more often than not, especially since the Yinzer locals always take on a point.

Sixburgh · Answer

Couldnt agree with you more, everything the titans do is based off  very successful early down runs which will not happen tonight at heinz field.  As if we needed it but fatass white is still running his mouth about the towel.  Good post man lets start this season off right

PrimeTimeBoys · Answer

Lets get the money!!

TitanFan · Answer

I watched the game, and the Titans completely controlled the line of scrimmage against Pitt on both sides of the ball. That led to 5 sacks and numerous picks like it almost always does.

Generally when a team controls the line of scrimmage it leads to turnovers.

GL with your pick.

bluesplayer · Answer

To be honest im not sure if they blow them out or squeak one out. I think it could be eaither scenario. Ben looked as sharp as ive ever seen him in the last pre season game,granted its only pre season,but he still looked 100% +, that gives me some confidence that they will cover 6.If there were some reason to doubt them i would but they enter this season with no turmoil other than the Greedy person trying to sue ben,witch has blown over if you ask me, no one seems to care.What's stopping them ???

bluesplayer · Answer

Your right , there were some line of scrimmage issues last year.But turning the ball over inside the red zone is just as crucial a factor,witch ruined that game&#x27;s momentum for the Steelers. No fat albert to help you this time &#x2B; the Steelers have new weapons.

walktheline · Answer

Good points. The first turnover was at the Titan&#x27;s 7 yard line early in the game, and 3 of the 4 turnovers were in Titan&#x27;s territory. However, Albert Haynesworth did not play in that game.

TitanFan · Answer

Bluesplayer you must not have watched the game at all.   Albert did not play in that game. His backup(Jones) had 3.5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles.

Turnovers were caused by defensive pressure.

Just like most turnovers created by the Steelers are due to pressure by the defense.   Last years game was not even close, it DOES NOT mean the same thing will happen this game.

Good luck on your bets.

Mr_Hollywood · Answer

nice write-up

andarmac99 · Answer

Excellent post. It&#x27;s finally nice to see someone on Pittsburgh who can put together some coherent sentences and make for an interestinf read on why they think Pittsburgh will cover instead of just posting their picks with no analysis or something stupid like "PIT at home, Superbowl Champs 8-0 last 8 years" I mean come on man. Good post.I&#x27;m on Tennessee and won&#x27;t bore you with a long writeup (did one in my thread) but I will offer one quick counter. You mention last year&#x27;s game and turnovers. As someone who follows the Steelers closely you should know how to beat them. Go back and look at their games last season that they lost. How did they lose? Strong defensive fronts and/or excellent coverage secondaries forced Ben to hold onto the ball too long and this weak O-line to be attacked which in turn forced Ben into turnovers. Every game they lost last year this happened. And in each loss it was turnover after turnover after turnover, 3, , or 5 a game.

TitanFan · Answer

As far as the receivers go,   Washington will probably play tonight, he practiced in the last 2 practices.   The Titans first round pick is WR Kenny Britt, he will be playing.GL with your bets

Crashdavis565 · Answer

Someone tell me on the health of that Steeler O- LIne . I am reading two of the starters missed many games last year and are now back. Did they play in this one?&#xD;&#xA;I do not think the Titans were as good as there record last year, they seemed to feast on an easy schedule. But, I also hate to bet the superbowl contenders the following year, I think they get complacent.&#xD;&#xA;The game is a pass for me, unless we uncover the missing O-Line link.&#xD;&#xA;GLA&#xD;&#xA;crash

TitanFan · Answer

Crash, The titans completely blew them up in the middle of their line.  The center of the Steelers is weak(former Titan) Justin Hartwig.The Titans had their pressure right up the gut.

DOVJAK · Answer

bol

walktheline · Answer

Also, as far as everyone thinking this line is too high, why? The Steelers laid 6 and 6.5 to San Diego and Baltimore, and covered both. In fact, the Steelers have covered 5 straight home games all but one by more than 7. That game was the "screw job" when they took the touchdown off of Polamalu at the end of the game.

They have won six straight home openers, and 5 of 6 were by double digits.

HamSir · Answer

Go Steelers..

Kubrick · Answer

STEELERS ML

3rdpig · Answer

Walk the Line.  You setting your spread at 12.5.  I will take Tenn double digits.

jax66 · Answer

OVER

Doxshund · Answer

I just did the over and will enjoy watching the game

ICEBREAKER159 · Answer

LOL&#xD;&#xA;GOOD LUCK MY FRIENDS&#xD;&#xA;HOWEVER IM CASHING ON TITANS WITH POINTS AND MONEYLINE

Why the Titans Will Lose... Big

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