We’ve waited all summer to make this post.
As excited as we are for this game, let’s game one thing straight: this contest has nothing to do with what the Titans did to the Terrible Towel last season. The Steelers won the Super Bowl that year. The Titans did not. As far as we’re concerned, issue is over.
LenDale White is still a jagoff though.
The biggest question mark heading into this game will probably be how Kerry Collins plays. We love Penn State and love Collins.
But he’s hella old, let’s face it. One of these years he just won’t have it…sort of like what happened to Brett Favre three years ago.
Here’s to hoping the Steelers D is the start of a bad season for Collins.
What they are saying…
BTSC:
Finally, what does Willie Parker have in store as he begins what appears to be his last season in Pittsburgh. FWP has always proved his doubters wrong and it appears that the organization no longer believes he fits in to their future plans. It’s not clear just how healthy or dinged up he is, but if he does get 12-16 carries and is feeling well physically, I’d expect him to try to flash some of his old self and break off one of those patented 25+ yard runs to the outside when it looks as if there’s nothing there at all. I’d also expect him to be more animated than usual if he is able to break off some nice runs. Regardless of what transpires, I’ll be cheering for him bigtime.
Tenessean:
This is a rare moment in the NFL spotlight for the Titans. From a national perspective, this is a team from a comparatively small market that lacks star power. Accordingly, the Titans often take a backseat to the sport’s more visible franchises — and that includes the Steelers.
Bill Simmons:
It’s too bad we can’t parlay things like “there’s no way Kerry Collins is having that year again” with “there’s no way Kurt Warner is having that year again.”
Injuries
Steelers: Larry Timmons is out, but other than Dennis Dixon’s dinged shoulder, the guys on the 52 man roster are healthy.
Titans: Former Steeler Nate Washington is questionable and it doesn’t look like he’ll go tonight.
Predictions
Bam: I think both teams are going to be a little worse during the regular season than they were last year. I have no faith in the Steelers ability to run the ball against Tennessee and that scares me. Roethlisberger will be thrown to the wolves right away this year. As tempted as I am to pick the Titans, I think the Steelers defense is just good enough to pull this one out with a late turnover. Steelers 16-13
Norm: It will be a low scoring game with both teams having great defenses. But Ben will pick them apart late in the game. The Titans strength is in the running game and the Steelers will shut them down. LenDale White and Chris Johnson will be held under 100 combined yards. Steelers 17-7
