Pittsburgh Steelers hold edge vs Tennessee Titans despite defence injuries – NFL Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Tennessee Titans this Thursday (Oct. 11) and while a win is must for both sides, the former are heading into the game with an edge over the latter, though a number of injuries on the defensive line can hurt their chances
to an extent.
Coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed ousting of safety Troy Polamalu after he aggravated his calf injury in their game versus the Philadelphia Eagles on past Sunday, while linebacker James Harrison has just a single game experience this season after recovery
from a knee procedure.
Although Harrison appears to be hundred percent, he is still a bit cautious to try out his full potential and Troy’s experience might make him even more nervous.
Troy got his calf hurt in the season opener and then missed two straight games to return versus Eagles. He could last on the field for only a few plays and aggravated the problem to spend the entire game on the sidelines then. He is out now again, probably
for a few more games.
So with Harrison not expected to perform up to potential, the Steelers stand affected on the defensive line. A question whether the opponents can exploit the situation to their gains is difficult to answer given the opposition is struggling on their end
as well.
Titans’ offensive line situation is not an ideal one. With first-year offence leader Jake Locker out with a shoulder injury, Matt Hasselbeck will replace him for third straight game. This includes three quarters of the game in which the ousted quarterback
had started the offence but got injured in first quarter.
So far Matt, who has previously started for a number of seasons, has not returned to his potential yet and is seen falling below even an average mark in the next game. So, while the Steelers are ruing their injuries on the defence, at the end they might
be able to get away with them, not allowing any advantage to their opponents.
Moreover, the Steelers are coming on to the field versus the Titans with a win at their back. They are confident and upbeat, and while the Titans have issues of their own, a win must be very challenging for them.
Steelers should also be wary of the Titans’ return to form, especially of the quarterback. Hasselbeck is capable of turning the tables on the opposition any time. It is only that Titans are struggling to get their act together, and once they do, stopping
them will be a challenge for any side in the league.
The progress in the season so far is not good, as the Titans have only a single win to their credit. Although the Steelers’ situation is not impressive either, they have just an extra win, while their offence has been performing consistently well. This is
where the Titans need to focus.
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