Tweet
Re: 9-10-09
Stephen Nover
15-DIME OVER Steelers/Titans -
Under the total often is the way to go in Week 1, but not in this matchup. The oddsmaker has set a low total, but the situation and the way the offenses will attack these quality defenses dictate more of a wide open game than many anticipate.
Look for the Titans to throw more against the Steelers. Tennessee has upgraded its passing attack with the additions of wide receivers Nate Washington and rookie Kenny Britt, who looked outstanding during preseason. Washington practiced on Tuesday, but may not play because of a hamstring. He played for the Steelers last year and has been helpful to Kerry Collins in pointing out Pittsburgh defensive tendencies.
The Titans put up 31 points on the Steelers last year. The key was the Steelers could only sack the immobile Collins once. The Titans do an excellent job of pass-blocking and center Kevin Mawae is expected to start after being out. The Steelers aren't expected to have one of their better defensive players in linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who is doubtful with an ankle injury.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher isn't afraid to gamble on special teams when he's an underdog. He's proven that with on-side kicks and fake punts.
I see Pittsburgh opening its offense up, too. The Titans' defense lost their best player, tackle Albert Haynesworth, and also no longer has highly-respected coordinator Jim Schwartz. Tennessee's defense still will be good, but not dominant.
This is a huge revenge spot for Pittsburgh and it's a nationally televised game. The Steelers usually are at their best in these situations. The loss of Haynesworth hurts the Titans' run defense, which means Ben Roethlisberger should be even more effective in his play-action passes.
Stephen Nover
15-DIME OVER Steelers/Titans -
Under the total often is the way to go in Week 1, but not in this matchup. The oddsmaker has set a low total, but the situation and the way the offenses will attack these quality defenses dictate more of a wide open game than many anticipate.
Look for the Titans to throw more against the Steelers. Tennessee has upgraded its passing attack with the additions of wide receivers Nate Washington and rookie Kenny Britt, who looked outstanding during preseason. Washington practiced on Tuesday, but may not play because of a hamstring. He played for the Steelers last year and has been helpful to Kerry Collins in pointing out Pittsburgh defensive tendencies.
The Titans put up 31 points on the Steelers last year. The key was the Steelers could only sack the immobile Collins once. The Titans do an excellent job of pass-blocking and center Kevin Mawae is expected to start after being out. The Steelers aren't expected to have one of their better defensive players in linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who is doubtful with an ankle injury.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher isn't afraid to gamble on special teams when he's an underdog. He's proven that with on-side kicks and fake punts.
I see Pittsburgh opening its offense up, too. The Titans' defense lost their best player, tackle Albert Haynesworth, and also no longer has highly-respected coordinator Jim Schwartz. Tennessee's defense still will be good, but not dominant.
This is a huge revenge spot for Pittsburgh and it's a nationally televised game. The Steelers usually are at their best in these situations. The loss of Haynesworth hurts the Titans' run defense, which means Ben Roethlisberger should be even more effective in his play-action passes.
Comment