Titans vs. Steelers: Week 1 Studs, Duds, Grades & Reaction

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Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) exchange shoves during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t like overreacting. I don’t like giving a lack of credit. So I’ll call this win like I see it: the Titans looked like a 9-7ish team who beat a cellar dweller. Very similar to the 2009 New York Jets. When this pass-offense gets in-sync? This team will surprise folks.

Whether it’s with Jake Locker or Ryan Fitzpatrick, that passing game will improve.

Locker completed 11-of-20 passes for 125 yards. He was under a steady pass-rush but only sacked once. Biggest concern came when Locker tried to sandwich two passes into tight coverages. These passes were deflected up into the air but landed helplessly on the ground. Those could’ve been disastrous plays. Everything worked out fine—this time.

Next up is a Houston Texans team who will come off a West Coast trip on Monday Night Football. Week 2 is Houston’s home-opener (back-to-back games against teams enjoying home-openers? Weaksauce, schedule-makers. Weaksauce). Then comes a three-game home stretch with games against the San Diego Chargers, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.

Well done, Titans. Now show the world that it wasn’t just the Steelers’ ineptitude: it was the return of Titans football.