Gameday 1: Tennessee Titans

8:30
Heinz Field
NBC

It’s been 220 days since the Steelers hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. During those long summer days, we dreamed about today. When the black and gold would step out onto the field again, to the whirl of the towels, and all would be right in the world again.

Tennessee brings in a good team that plays strong gritty defense and runs the ball very, very well. Chris Johnson is one of the most dangerous backs in the league, and he made mincemeat of our defense last season. We’re going to need a strong effort from the front 7 tonight to seal the corners and plug up the cut-back lanes.

Tennessee’s offense is more dangerous than people give them credit for. In addition to Johnson and Towel-Stomper LenDale White, Kerry Collins is an efficient passer. Last season, they cut down the Steelers defense by using dump-down passes to their tight ends. Then when the safeties were up, they went over the top.

What you didn’t know about Tennessee: Justin Gage finished 3rd in the league in Yards per Reception last year with 19.1

What you did know about Tennessee: Nasty Nate Washington took an Antwaan Randle El-sized contract to sign with them in the offseason. Nate will most likely be riding the pine tonight with an injury.

John will be out in Amish Country doing the grad school thing