PIT/TEN Observations

Unfortunately I missed most of the 1st half, but it seems like in all reality I didn't miss much of anything.  I tuned it right before the Titans went on their drive that led to Bironas' blocked FG, and saw the rest of the game from there.

Tennessee - The Titans did NOT do a good job trying to get Chris Johnson in space.  I didn't see many screens, draws, or pass plays designed to spread the defense out and give Johnson room to run.  I think this really hurt their offense in a game where they needed to be creative.  LenDale White looked mostly unimpressive, and it proved that Chris Johnson is indeed the man of the backfield.  Kerry Collins looked solid in the pocket, and Justin Gage was clearly his first read, especially on 3rd downs.  Gage had one drop on a pass behind him, but other than that, he did a good job getting open against a tough defense.  He could be a solid WR3.  Nate Washington was limited, and Kenny Britt posted solid numbers in his absence, but outside of the 57 yard catch on a blown coverage, I'm pretty sure Washington will resume starting when he's 100% as he's the best deep threat on the roster.  As far as Bironas is concerned...everyone who owns him should just forget that game.  A bad snap and bad blocking were the reason he missed 2 FGs...it had nothing to do with him.

Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh's rushing attack looked awful.  While some may chalk that up to TEN's stingy run defense, I read that Parker simply sucked.  I missed the majority of his carries, but he apparently looked slow and danced too much.  Mendenhall hasn't received any positive press since he arrived last year, so this could be a rough season for Pittsburgh on the ground.  This further proves my claim that Big Ben will bounce back this season as odds are they will have to throw more than they'd prefer.  Holmes looked awesome, and Ward continues to prove people wrong, like myself, that he's going to start declining as a fantasy factor.  Barring another injury, he should post yet another WR3 season.  Those who own PIT's defense had to cringe when Polamalu was buried doing the splits under a pile.  They're calling it a MCL sprain at the moment, but an MRI is forthcoming.  It would not shock me at all if he's torn his ACL.  That would be a huge blow to their defense as he's a leader and the reason why their secondary is so imposing.

All in all, it was a very entertaining first game of the season!