The NFL season is now upon us. The Steelers take on the Titans tonight to kick off the season and we here at Make Plays are going to give our insight on this event, as well as make some predictions.
Clark: Tennessee had a nice run last year, but with the departure of Albert Haynesworth and with Kerry Collins reflexes being a year older, the Titans are no match for the defending champs. I'm more interested to see the passing of the fantasy torch, as Hines Ward and Wille Parker should be phased out in favor of Santonio Holmes and Rashard Mendenhall.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Titans 10
Miniaci: The Titans had a magical run last season that ended abruptly in the playoffs. And the Steelers? Well, they were hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February. This is a match of two tough teams, and don't forget how the Steelers want revenge for the stomping of the Terrible Towel. I like the defense for both teams, although the Titans lost Haynesworth in the offseason. Still, they have a solid secondary and a good LB corps. So what it comes down to is the offense. And Big Ben is much better than PSU alum Kerry Collins. This will not be a high-scoring affair, but it will be a close one.
Prediction: Steelers 21, Titans 17
Rorabaugh: This whole thing with the "Revenge for the Towel Stomp" is completely ridiculous. People are making it seem like the Steelers are going to take out all their frustrations from LenDale White's thrashing of a Terrible Towel in season's meeting. Come on. Do you really think Blitzburgh needs added motivation? Tennessee's defense has a huge gaping hole in the middle of its line after losing Albert Haynesworth, and adjusting to that will take some time. The Titans won't be able to get to Roethlisberger much, and this one will be a grind-it-out win for the black and gold.
Prediction: Steelers 17, Titans 9
Oplinger: The Titans' running game will provide just enough offense in this battle of two strong defenses.
Prediction: Titans 20, Steelers 17
Gentile: The Titans don't have Albert Haynesworth, but the Steelers have a healthy Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker. It should be interesting to see how Tennessee plans to stop the historically dominant Pittsburgh ground attack. And as always, the Steelers' defense will spell trouble for its opposition. With Kerry Collins again under center with a lack of weapons to toss to, I don't expect much of a showing from last year's 27th-ranked Titans passing offense tonight. I'm rooting Tennessee, but feeling Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Steelers 31, Titans 13
Rung: The Steelers may be a Super Bowl favorite again this year, but they won't look like it in Week 1. The Titans won't be as good as they were last year, and they'll give the defending champs a fight before falling late.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Titans 17
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