Preview of tonight's game at http://madukwe.mysbrforum.com/blog
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5 Trends to Watch in Thursday’s NFL Opener
FINALLY, the NFL is here! With the opening game of the season on Thursday night, we will see two great stories from the 2008 season collide in a battle of tough defenses and smash-mouth running attacks. Here are five trends to look for in Thursday Night’s Opener:
5. How effective will Tennessee’s defense be without Albert?
Albert Haynesworth was an enormous loss to the Titans’ front lines. Leaving via free agency to join the ‘Skins, Albert left a gaping 6’6’’, 350 pound hole in the middle of Tennessee’s defensive line. Last year, Haynesworth was a force to be reckoned with. Albert explodes off the line with tons of force, usually taking down two offensive linemen at a time. This opened up holes for the rest of the defense, such as Bullock and Thorton, to have easier paths to opposing running backs and quarterbacks. Albert also recorded 8.5 sacks and forced three fumbles, numbers that are astonishing for defensive tackle. It will be very interesting to see how the Titans’ D gels together without the big man in the middle.
4. Is it possible for Pittsburgh’s defense to get any better?
To say that the Steelers defense was great last season would be an understatement. In 2008, Pittsburgh lead all NFL defenses in total yards per game allowed and passing yards per game allowed at 237.2 and 156.9, respectively, and finished second in the NFL in rushing yards per game allowed at 80.2. With their pressure packages and 3-4 scheme, the Steelers essentially shut down their opponents and wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Tonight’s matchup against Kerry Collins and the Tennessee rushing attack will be a telling tale for the outlook of the Steelers 2009 campaign.
3. Can Kerry do it again?
Last season, Kerry Collins was awarded the starting quarterback job for after taking over for injured starter Vince Young in week one. With Kerry at the helm, the Titans started the season with ten straight victories and finished the season 13-3. After earning the top seed in the AFC playoffs, it was very unlikely that Jeff Fisher would replace Collins with Vince Young or another younger quarterback. While Collins was effective last season, he is not the most talented of quarterbacks and will turn 37 in December. Look for Collins to hand the ball off a lot on Thursday and throughout the regular season. It will be very interesting to see how Collins will handle the great pressure that Pittsburgh will bring on Thursday night.
2. Will Tennessee’s two-headed rushing monster once again lead them to the AFC Playoffs?
With a similar Barberian-Daynish (ha yes, I just referred to Dayne as a donut) look to them, Chris Johnson and Lendale White proved to be a nice lightning-and-thunder combination for the Titans in 2008. Against a defense ranked second last season in stopping the run, Johnson and White will have a very difficult task in Thursday night’s opener. The resiliency of the Titans running game against one of the NFL’s best defenses could serve as a very revealing outlook for the 2009 Tennessee Titans.
1.Do the Steelers have what it takes to repeat as Super Bowl Champions?
As a huge Bengals fan, I sure hope not. Tonight’s contest will certainly test the Steelers run defense. One of Pittsburgh’s biggest (and maybe only) weaknesses will also be tested. It will be exciting to see how Pittsburgh’s offensive line handles the Tennessee defensive pressures. Big Ben has shown that, while he is great at eluding pocket pressure, he is susceptible to injuries and must be given some sort of protection in the pocket. This game very much could be won on the offensive and defensive lines, and the Steelers O-line needs to prove that they will do a better job in protecting the star quarterback.
While Thursday’s matchup between the Titans and Steelers will not make or break either’s season, the game could be a great indicator in determining their strengths and weaknesses in the 2009 season. Look for a very aggressive and hard-hitting game, as an angry Steelers team takes on the smash-mouthed Tennessee Titans.
Written by Madukwe, Gooooo Titans Week 1!!!Comment -
Dig It!Comment -
After game 1, The Pittsburgh Steelers O-Line is still garbage. Big Ben is a badass though with a 76.7% completion rating. The O-Line needs to get better so the running game can shine.Comment