Tennessee Titans to Shock the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Oct 9, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs after a pass reception as Tennessee Titans defenders Derrick Morgan (90) and Michael Griffin (30) defend during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Today Craig Peters of Titans Online reported that the Tennessee Titans’ head coach Munchak sees Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers as a challenge, as well as an opportunity.

"The good thing is it’s another opportunity to make plays and play better and take advantage of situations that we haven’t taken advantage of,” Munchak said. “We know (Pittsburgh). We played them last year; we’ve played them just about every year."

The Titans do have the classic, “Man we suck, lets pull it together and shock people by pulling it all together and beating a good team.” That being said, this team has been a discombobulated mess. When one aspect is working, the other isn’t. Lately, it’s been the offense really not working.

I know nearly everyone wants to throw the running game issues on RB Chris Johnson. Well here’s a little tidbit that says the opposite.

Thanks to PFF.com for the awesome stat:

"Titans Offense: While Chris Johnson was poor, he’s not getting much help. 19 of his 24 yards came after contact.Titans Defense: Slot cornerback Ryan Mouton gave up nothing on the three passes thrown his way, but did defend two passes."

I had to add the Mouton part in there, just because I beat him down so regularly. His tackling was awful, but apparently he did well defending the pass.

Chris Johnson though… Those stats are pretty damning of the Titans offensive line. People like to say that CJ isn’t putting in any effort and is going down easy. This is you eating your words. He’s trying, despite the lack of run room.

Back to the main point though, if the Titans want to actually shock the Pittsburgh Steelers, having some run blocking would be a start.

Another thing that might help pull off an upset? Having Hasselbeck throw to anyone besides the dirt.

Jared Cook was ignored most of the game against the Vikings until the 4th quarter, where he had 5 receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Titans have to utilize him earlier in the game, like Locker does when he’s playing. It’d also help if Hasselbeck would stop complaining about receivers running wrong routes. Locker doesn’t use that cop out and does pretty darn well.

It’d be nice to see the Titans pull off an upset, but in order to do that they’d have to make changes. The Titans seem pretty reluctant to make any serious changes thus far. My hope for this team wanes every day as the coaches seem rooted in their beliefs and unwilling to change things, despite the fact that what they’re doing is running this team into the ground.

Shock the Steelers? I doubt it. Nice pipe dream, though.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart