NFL: Steelers worth the points?
Bettors will likely flock to put cash on the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers for their Week 1 clash against the Tennessee Titans but is that a risky move?
Tennessee destroyed Pittsburgh last year in Week 16, sacking quarterback Ben Roethlisberger five times and forcing four turnovers en route to a 31-14 beating of the Steelers.
The Titans are currently five-point underdogs for the NFL's Kickoff Game, a good bet for those that think Tennessee can spoil the party in Pittsburgh on Thursday, September 10th.
Both teams will field a slightly different look than their 2008 edition, most notably the loss of Albert Haynesworth from a dominant Tennessee defense. However, it's worth noting that Haynesworth didn't play against the Steelers last year and the Titans were able to get to Big Ben and force turnovers while limiting the Steelers to just 73 total rushing yards without him.
Meanwhile, the Titans running back combination of Chris Johnson and LenDale White each reached the end zone, combining for 117 rushing yards along the way. Quarterback Kerry Collins threw for another touchdown while the defense capped the game with an 83-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final minute of the game.
Collins, who managed games last year for a team that lacked quality receivers, will have a new target to throw to when the season opens as Nate Washington will find himself on the opposite sideline of Heinz Field after playing in Pittsburgh for four seasons.
Washington has never caught for more than 650 yards in a season and has just six starts in his career but he was a big-play threat every time he was on the field and a favorite target of Roethlisberger when the Steelers looked to open the offense.
The Titans are hoping the 25-year-old can turn into an every down threat and help an offense that didn't have a receiver over 700 yards receiving for the year. It will be interesting to see how he performs against his old mates on opening night.
The loss of Washington, and cornerback Bryant McFadden (8 starts in 2008), are the two biggest changes for a Steelers franchise that seems to avoid the free agent frenzy every year.
Pittsburgh didn't lose any marquee names, or sign any as they always opt to do their work through the draft.
Will that help or hinder them on Opening Night?
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