FanHouse Preview: Titans at Steelers

Once upon a time, the Titans and the Steelers were division rivals. And they hated each other in a respectful kind of way. It actually goes back to the 1970s, when Earl Campbell and company met up with Jack Lambert and all for three physical games in 1978 and 1979. The Raiders and the Steelers tried to intentionally injure each other for sport; the Oilers and Steelers injured each other unintentionally through hard hits. If not for the Steelers, the Oilers would have made two Super Bowl appearances. For what it's worth, those Steelers admit that the Oilers were their toughest competitor.

In the 1990s, the Oilers moved to Tennessee, but the rivalry remained. In 2002, the division realignment separated the two teams, but even that year, they got to meet again in a playoff game that the Titans won in overtime. They can't count on playing every year any more, but Lendale White's Terrible Towel as a hanky routine should help ensure a healthy rivalry for years to come.

Three Key Questions:

1. Will the Titans' passing game be up to one of its biggest challenges?

2. Can Titans defensive tackle Jason Jones match his 2008 coming out party?

3. Who will land the biggest punch in a game that should be a brawl?

Players In The Spotlight: Jason Jones/Chris Kemoeatu. The last time Jones faced the Steelers, he picked up 3 1/2 sacks, largely because he abused Kemoeatu. That game gave the first glimpse that the Titans may be OK defensively if Albert Haynesworth left in free agency, and also reminded Steelers' fans that the biggest thing standing between Pittsburgh and a Super Bowl trophy was its offensive line. Kemoeatu has struggled during the preseason. If he can't handle Jones, it's going to be a long night for the Steelers.

Tennessee's Path To Victory: Last year the Titans beat the Steelers by winning the special teams' battle, forcing turnovers and getting an outstanding game from its defensive front four. Repeat that formula and Tennessee should be 1-0 again. Kerry Collins isn't flashy, but he generally does a good job of moving the chains and protecting the ball. Pittsburgh's defense is built around not giving up the big play, but Tennessee's offense likes to dink and dunk with passes to tight ends and running backs, which is at times the weak link of the Steelers' pass defense.

Pittsburgh's Path To Victory: Last year's loss to the Titans carried the same blueprint of an earlier loss to the Eagles. When the Steelers' offensive line struggled, it sometimes melted down. That's what happened against the Titans. Pittsburgh should have much improved special teams play thanks to the return of punter Daniel Sepulveda and the arrival of returner Stefan Logan. If Pittsburgh can just limit the sacks and turnovers and get a couple of quality drives on offense, their defense should handle the rest.

One Interesting Tidbit: Pittsburgh is 6-0 in its last six season openers which is the longest streak in the NFL.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Tennessee 17.