AFC Game Of The Week
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans
Steelers: What a difference a year can make. Around this time last year, they were still adjusting without Ben Roethlisberger. Now, they’re 5-0 with the quarterback having a bounce-back season. Sunday was a statement victory for the Pittsburgh Steelers because there was talk about everyone they’ve defeated so far and this would be a test for them against the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh’s game plan was simple which was take away the run, eliminate the bootleg and force Baker Mayfield to handle all the responsibility and they did it. This defense is fast, athletic, and most importantly, physical at the point of attack. This Sunday, they’ll finally get their chance for a showdown with the leaders of the AFC South for a battle of unbeaten football teams.
Titans: It’s time they received more respect. They’re 5-0 for the first time since 2008. Their last two games gathered my attention. In week five, they physically dominated the Buffalo Bills in every way possible. Just this past Sunday against the Houston Texans, I knew it would be a tighter game than usual, but they were able to push through. This isn’t anything new, but Derrick Henry is a whole grown man. Did you see the way he ran over the Texans on Sunday? The wild thing is they knew they didn’t have an answer for him either. Derrick reminds me of a modern-day Brandon Jacobs with some Earl Campbell mixed in. Coming up, they will get their biggest test against the undefeated Steelers in week seven.
Steelers X-Factor: James Conner– He can impact the game in many ways. Ben can check the ball down to him in the flat and he can run it inside and outside. James may not have the breakaway speed, but he does enough to get by. The Titans can’t stop the run. Exploit that early on.
Titans X-Factor: Adam Humphries– I like this Titans group of receivers. From Corey Davis to A.J. Brown. Then, you have the guy who maneuvers everything underneath. When you need that one guy to deliver over the middle, this is who Tannehill will target. Adam is the safety valve that I always talk about for all quarterbacks.
Final Thoughts: This is a rivalry that goes back to the 70s when the Titans were known as the Houston Oilers. I still remember when these two teams were in the same division. It’s a battle of undefeated teams! Ryan Tannehill can’t hold onto the ball too long or else the Steelers defense will make him pay. Watch for many exotic looks to come his way from the Steelers front. Also, the Titans must get Tannehill moving. Make the Steelers defense work to bring you down. I think we see a close game.
Prediction: Steelers 23 Titans 20
