PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ TENNESSEE TITANS
Sunday, December 21, 2008
1:00 P.M.
Tennessee (12-2) has clinched the AFC South after the Indianapolis Colts wore
the crown for five years. Pittsburgh (11-3) clinched the AFC North by handing
the Baltimore Ravens a stunning 13-9 loss with just 43 seconds to go Sunday.
Now the two NFL powerhouses face each other in a game that will determine
home-field advantage for the playoffs. Although they both have their AFC
Divisional Championships in hand, they still seek the highest playoff spot... the
number one seed.
Pittsburgh: UP: The Steelers game winning 92 yard drive was engineered by an
agile QB Ben Roethlisberger, who kept the winning TD pass play alive by
scrambling left and back right. WR Nate Washington atoned for two first half drops
with 3 catches for 49 yards on the final series. WR Holmes atoned for a drop
and a fumble that led to 3 points for the Ravens with the game winning TD catch.
The Steel Curtain didn’t allow a rush over 10 yards. ILB James Farrior had 12
tackles for the game. DOWN: Special teams was at its worst vs. the Ravens, allowing 90 yards in returns. The defensive line allowed over 100 yards rushing for only the 3rd time this season. Offensively, the Steeler running backs garnered only 91 yards. RB
Mewelde Moore had only 16 in seven carries.
Tennessee: UP: The Titans have had a balanced attack this year with 142 yards rushing and 184 passing yards per game average. With a strong finish they
could compile their best season record ever. Their defense held their opponent
under 17 points for the 10th time this year. DOWN: DT Albert Haynesworth will miss the final two games of the season with a sprained ligament. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch is out until the playoffs with a groin injury. The Titans could have clinched home-field advantage with a win Sunday, but fell short. They have had five turnovers in the last two games.
Keys to the Game: The Titans special teams receivers need to wait on their
blocks to set up. With his RBs attacking the Steeler defensive line, Tennessee
QB Kerry Collins needs to mix it up and be on target to open receivers. Steeler
QB Roethlisberger will also have to mix the pass and run. Especially
vulnerable is a depleted Titan defensive line. Allowed enough time his WRs should find
holes in the Titan backfield. Linebackers should focus on sacking Collins.
By the Numbers: The line has Tennessee at +1. The Steelers are 8-6 ATS and
7-7 O/U while the Titans are 11-2 ATS and 7-7 O/U. Against conference opponents
PIT is 9-1 SU and 6-4 ATS with TN at 8-2 in both categories. In road games the
Steelers are 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS. In home games the Titans are 6-1 SU & 5-1 ATS.
With the number one seed in the division and home-field advantage throughout
the playoffs on the line, this should be a game with lots of highlight reel.