After limping into their bye week on a two-game skid, the Tennessee Titans came out a little healthier and totally constipated the Jacksonville Jaguars to the tune of 20-0. A big fat doughnut, if you will. It was evident, at least to me, that they wanted to grind out that Jags defense and control the time of possession, knowing this Jags defense was capable of making plays if they allowed them to hang around. And, on defense, they absolutely smother Trevor Lawrence and company. Some folks are pissy about the offensive performance, but it seemed as though Todd Downing and company knew what they had to do to win this game and executed upon it. To me, that was a solid get-right game for the defense, and a step in the right direction for the offense as it continues to work guys back in from injuries and re-develop chemistry. Bravo. This week, the task appears to be a little more difficult as the Titans head to Heinz Field for a date with the 6-6-1 Pittsburgh Steelers.
I can’t wrap my head around this Steelers team this year. I mean, at one point, they looked like they were going to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders carried by their relentless defense, but they’ve cooled off in a major way over the last five games. They’ve gone 1-3-1 over that stretch, including getting blown out by the Bengals and tying the lowly Lions. That defense has allowed over 34 points per game in its last four games, and they haven’t won a game by more than a single possession all season long. All that said, this is still a Steelers team that is littered with talent all over the field. The spread reflects that, as Vegas currently has this one as a pick ’em with a point total set at over/under 43. So, how can the Titans leave the Steel City with a dub?
Titans Key to Victory: @ Steelers, 12/19/21
*Be aware of Minkah Fitzpatrick – We’ve talked a lot this season about letting inferior opponents hang around and giving bad teams hope. One way the Titans can do this on offense is to turn the ball over as we’ve seen them do in losses this season. The Steelers happen to have a guy in Fitzpatrick that can make them pay for it if they’re not careful. They move him all around the field as their rangy ballhawk. I honestly don’t think this Steelers defense is as good as its reputation proceeds it, but the Titans can certainly help them out by not accounting for Fitzpatrick on every play.
*Run blocking, baby – Look at what the Vikings were able to do with some wide open holes and Dalvin Cook. If the Titans can execute on their run blocking, they’d be more than happy to gash the Steelers run defense, control the time of possession, and grind this one out.
*Aggression on defense – Hit Ben Roethlisberger, rattle him, jar his brittle old bones. Force some mistakes. Keep it dialed up and again, don’t allow this offense to make plays and hang around. Especially if they can get Bud Dupree back and healthy for this one, it should be a banner day for this Titans pass rush.
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Listen to “Ep. 89: The Urban Meyer Circus and the Pittsburgh Steelers” on Spreaker.Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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