Last Thursday, the NFL season kicked off in Pittsburgh. After a lot of pacing, a bunch of Yuengling's and one warm Wood Chuck Granny Smith Cider, the Steelers had a tough earned victory against the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers always seem to have issues with, with Tennessee whether it's Joe Nedney being a little bitch or big fat LenDale White stomping on a Terrible Towell.
The cliche goes "a win is a win" and there's nothing more true after last Thursday. Tennessee was 13-3 last year and the number one seed in the AFC, so it's not like they were a pushover. They and their recovering alcoholic forty-something year old quarterback had a lot to prove after last years playoff choke. They had a top three defense last year. A hard fought 13-10 overtime victory was fine. So here are some of our quick thoughts on the game:
Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall didn't look sharp. The offensive line is still an improving work in progress and the Tennessee defense was 6th in rushing yards per game and second in points last year. Anyone clammoring for Mewelde Moore needs to calm down as well. He did no better running the ball than Parker or Mendenhall. He played great as a third down back when the Steelers were slinging the ball. He's great at being that kind of back, and he will continue to have that roll.
Special Teams have us downright excited. Sepulveda's first punt went farther than all of Paul Ernster's punts combined last year and a majority of Mitch Bergers. It's great to have Sepulveda back. Stefan Logan is fantastic. Not only can he break one at any time, he makes people miss and moves the ball forward on returns. Moving the ball forward alone on kick and punt returns is a huge upgrade from last year.
Santonio Holmes had the same exact game numbers wise as he did in the Super Bowl. He looks ready to take the leap we all thought he was going to last season.
We have no problem with Hines Ward. Hines thought he could possibly score and leave no doubt about making or missing a field goal on a night in which Rob Bironas, one of the leagues best kickers, missed twice from inside 40. Hines has earned the right to make mistakes like that. It wasn't carelessness, it was just a lucky strip by Tennessee.
Troy: heal up. We'll miss you. But it's a Dick LeBeau defense and the Steelers will find a way. Someone will step it up. It's not like this is the first time Troy's been injured.
Up Next: the Brian Urlacherless Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler's fat neck/chin.
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