Rapid Reactions: Tennessee Titans fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24

The Tennessee Titans (2-8) pulled in one of their most impressive losses of the season on Monday Night Football, against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4). It was one of those losses that you wouldn’t have much to complain about if the team wasn’t 2-8 on the season. They fought hard against the Steelers (as I expected) and had the lead for the majority of the game, but found a way to come up short. The Steelers won, 27-24.

Zach Mettenberger  was the better berger

Mettenberger had us second guessing ourselves one minute, and loving him the next in this game. On the Titans opening drive, Mett threw a pick-six. The Steelers took an early 10-0 lead, and everything seemed to be a clusterfuck , much like this entire season. But, Mett turned things around after that opening drive and recorded two touchdowns and 263 yards in passing. He finished with a 81.2 QB rating, by completing 15 of his 24 passes. I believe Mettenberger out did the other berger on the field last night, but just came up short with a “w.” Ben Roethlisberger finished 21/32, 207 passing yards. 1 TD, 1 INT, and a 66.6 QB rating. 

The wide receivers showed up

The Titans were without their leading receiver, Delanie Walker, who has been battling a concussion suffered in the loss to the Ravens two weeks ago. Nate Washington recorded one reception, but it was an 80-yard touchdown. Kendall Wright had four receptions for 70 yards, and  Justin Hunter had three receptions for 70 yards. Tight end Chase Coffman, who replaced Walker, recorded his first ever NFL touchdown.

Again, no consistency in the run

For me, the run game was once again a disappointment. Shonn Greene mustered up three carries for five yards in rushing. Dexter McCluster had one carry for five yards. Bishop Sankey lead the team with 11 carries for 38 yards, and one rushing TD. This is definitely an area that needs improvement, and with the Titans’ plan to have a massive list of weapons at the running back position this season, it has been a poor production all-around.

The offensive line came together

This had to be the most impressive performance for the Titans’ offensive line this season in the pass rush. They did not give up a sack on Mett. However, they could have created more lanes in the Titans’ run game.

The defense had their moments

Jason McCourty had the highlight moment for the defense. The Steelers were threatening to score on an impressive drive, when McCourty picked off Rothlisberger in the Titans’ endzone. This occurred with under a minute to play in the first half, and setup the 80-yard touchdown by Washington. McCourty also recorded six tackles. I was very pleased with his performance and thought he had the best night. Roethlisberger experienced heavy pressure from the defensive line throughout the game. The Titans recorded five sacks on Big Ben.  Avery Williamson, Shaun Phillips, Wesley Woodyard, Derrick Morgan, and Quentin Groves had big nights.