Inside The Huddle: Tennessee @ Pittsburgh
By: Eddie Vickers
Are you ready for some football? If you are a first time reader which; I presume you are, hopefully you will check out the blog every game day for an in-depth preview of the games that matter. The season kicks off tonight in Pittsburgh with the Steelers hosting the Titans. Get ready to go inside the huddle!
Looking Back/Ahead:
Tennessee Titans:
20-1 To Win SBXLIV
12-3 ATS
7-8-1 O/U
Tennessee started the 2008 season 10-0 behind a dominant defense and a strong running game. Kerry Collins replaced Vince Young at quarterback and played flawless football. After winning the AFC they faced Baltimore in the divisional round and turned the ball over one to many times and ended up losing 13-10. Chris Johnson has emerged as the first big play guy in Tennessee since Eddie George and is turning into one of the biggest scoring threats in the NFL. The Titans had a strong draft replacing the loss of Pro Bowler DT Albert Haynesworth, with Jovan Haye and Sen’derek Marks. They picked up a strong receiver in Kenny Britt via the draft and signed Ex-Steeler wideout Nate Washington. Titans hope these two additions address their biggest weakness the past few seasons, lack of production from the wide receiver position. Looking ahead, the Titans travel West to take on some NFC foes, and East to take on the tough part of the AFC. This years schedule has them all over the map, but it starts tonight with the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers!
Pittsburgh Steelers:
SBXLIV 10-1
9-7 ATS
8-8 O/U
The Steelers grinded out a 12-4 season and reached the Super bowl with wins over Baltimore and San Diego. In the big game they were badly outplayed but escaped with a 27-23 victory over Arizona. Their offense struggled for most of the season but it did not matter with the number one ranked defense in the league behind them. This season is just like any other, the Steelers rebuilt within using low key free agent pickups and the draft. Pittsburgh has an extremely easy schedule only facing six playoff teams from last season, four of which are at home. They only face two top ten offenses from last season in Green Bay and Chicago. If a repeat is in the future for the Steelers expect the defense to lead the way.
Tale of the Tape:
Pittsburgh opened as a -4.5 to -5.5 favorite depending on which book you play at. Since then it has moved up a point to -6 (-115). Most of this action has come late as bettors have taken notice to the fact that Albert Haynesworth is no longer on the D Line for Tennessee. If you recall last season the five games he was not in the lineup the Titans went 1-4 outright and gave up nearly 4 touchdowns each game. Willie Parker missed 3 preseason games for the Steelers with a hamstring injury. A key role in Pittsburgh’s offense, Parker is listed as probable tonight. The last matchup between the two was in Week 16 last season. The Titans prevailed in that contest 31-14 covering the 3 point spread. At the end of the game, LenDale White and Keith Bulluck added insult to injury stomping on a “terrible towel” thrown by a Steeler fan. The fans will be out like never before to kick off another promising season in Pittsburgh. Revenge is not so much a factor for the players on Pittsburgh after winning the Super Bowl. However; the stomping of the towel will be overplayed and give fans extra motivation to make some noise, and keep Heinz Field rocking all night.
Trendy Approach:
Since the NFL moved the season openers to Thursday Night seven seasons ago, the home teams have won six times. Pittsburgh won their only time in 2006 over Miami. Pittsburgh usually starts fast as they have won and covered their last 4 home openers. Jeff Fisher and the Titans are monsters on the highway as they are 16-7 ATS when being installed as road dogs. The over between these two teams has cashed in at the window 7 of the last 8 times while the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past 6 meetings.
The Play:
Pittsburgh clearly has the advantage going in with the momentum off the Super Bowl win. Sometimes that brings a let down though, will that be the case tonight? The crowd will be absolutely crazy on opening night. Tennessee is rebuilding its defense which was the main reason for success last season. However, behind the scenes there is a distinctive edge for those of you playing the point spread that will make the difference between a winning and losing ticket. If you want this edge, click here to get it!