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Friday, September 17, 2010

Who I like Week 2, and other stuff

Let me just say this from the start, the Steelers are going to be without nose tackle Casey Hampton and left tackle Max Starks Sunday in Tennessee .

That's two pretty big guys to be without, especially when you're already running without starting QB Ben Roethlisberger.

That said, if the game was in Pittsburgh, I'd be picking the Steelers this week. Vince Young doesn't scare me as a passer and one-dimensional teams are going to have a tough time against this defense.

But, the game is in Nashville, where the Steelers have traditionally struggled.

I think the Steelers can win. But I don't think they will.

What they will do, however, is cover the 5 1/2-point spread in a 17-13 loss.

© Both Jason Worlids and Emmanuel Sanders missed practice again Friday. Even though both are listed as doubtful to play, there's no way that's happening.

© Of more interest is Mike Tomlin's decision to list Byron Leftwich as probable.

Leftwich went through a full practice Friday and could be available if Dennis Dixon struggles.

The more likely scenario is Leftwich starting next week in Tampa, unless Dixon somehow comes out of Sunday with a victory.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

So why did "hidden vigorish" apply to the Steelers winning on opening day, yet "hidden vigorish" doesn't apply to the Steelers struggling in Tennessee?

Anonymous said...

i actually think vince young is a better passer than people give him credit for. if the steeler's offense struggles, which i think they will, i can see this game being a blowout.

Patrick said...

I agree about Vince Young, but he's still not going to hang enough points on the Steelers D for it to be considered a "blowout".

This week really will be on Dixon.

Titans 23, Steelers 20. Another OT wouldn't suprise me either.

Anonymous said...

I think you may see the Steelers finally dip into a "bag of tricks." Maybe A.R. El throws deep, or an onside kick to open the game or second half. I think they may need it to steal this one.

Patrick said...

Tomlin only onside kicks if we have the lead.

Anonymous said...

I probably would have penciled this one in as a loss even with Ben. He threw for like 370 yards last year and they put up 13 points. And we never have good luck in Tennessee.

Hopefully this changes, VY throws 3 picks or something like that. Anyway, just get to 2-2.

kyle said...

Tomlin only kicks onside when it's a very sensible idea.

Anonymous said...

I think they should let "redzone" catch a touchdown from ARE. That is, only after he recovers his own onside kick. Jeff Reed who?

Mrs. Isaac Redman

P.S. I hear he roundhouse kicks better than Chuck Norris's beard.

Dale Lolley said...

It doesn't apply because the Steelers have won here, even if it has only been once.

Patrick said...

great call by anonymous on the bag of tricks and ST