Jeff Fisher doesn't deserve criticism this time
Upon further review: VY's play against the Steelers
This is NOT a game recap. If that's what you want, read Drexel's post.
The big story out of today's game against the Steelers is obviously the benching of Vince Young and the insertion of Kerry Collins. Though Fisher said after the game that VY is still the starter, the question still stands as to why? Fisher didn't spend a lot of energy after the game explaining his decision, so I thought I'd take a look at VY's performance during the game.
Normal disclaimers: these are only the designed passing plays. I'm doing this off TV coverage, so there's lots of stuff I'm not seeing and I try to be hesitant where I should be. I'm happy to quibble with plays and admit error where there's error, but this is what I could see.
Error-prone Titans fall to Steelers 19-11
At the end of the day, it was too little, too late for the Tennessee Titans.
Despite a late-game rally that was aided by a recovered onsides kick, the Titans came up short at the end as they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-11.
The Titans were undone by a ridiculous 7 turnovers as well as 11 penalties. Contributing to their woes was an inefficient performance by starting QB Vince Young, who was eventually pulled for Kerry Collins in the second half and the struggles of Chris Johnson, who was contained by a prideful Steelers defense that limited CJ2K to a measly 34 yards on 16 carries.
Additional thoughts on today's Titans' loss at the hands of their former AFC Central rival...up next.
Titans-Steelers inactives, gameday thread
The inactives for today's Titans-Steelers games are trickling out, and here's who's on it:
TITANS:
LB Rennie Curran, G/T Mike Otto, G Ryan Durand, WR Lavelle Hawkins, DE William Hayes, S Robert Johnson, G/T Mike Otto, S Nick Schommer, QB Rusty Smith (3rd QB)
Same group as last week, in other words. The only question was Hayes, but if he isn't at or very close to 100%, it makes sense to keep him down with the defensive end depth.
STEELERS:
CB Crezdon Butler, RB Jonathan Dwyer, G/T Ramon Foster, LB Thaddeus Gibson, DT Casey Hampton, WR Emmanuel Sanders, OT Max Starks, LB Jason Worilds
No real surprises here, as Starks and Hampton were known to be out, and Sanders and Worilds were both doubtful to play. Since Friday's post, the Steelers made one roster move, dropping QB Byron Leftwich and adding DE Steve McLendon. If Dennis Dixon can't finish the game, Charlie Batch will play and WR Antwan Randle El is available to serve as QB if needed.
Feel free to leave your comments here during today's game. Since I'll be on my couch in front of a computer, I'll chime in a couple times myself.
Tennessee Titans - Pittsburgh Steelers preview
Titans-Steelers injury report and impact
The final injury report is out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, and here's what it looks like:
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
OUT: DT Casey Hampton (hamstring), OT Max Starks (ankle)
DOUBTFUL: WR Emmanuel Sanders (quadricep), LB Jason Worilds (shoulder)
PROBABLE: WR Arnaz Battle (knee), QB Byron Leftwich (knee), CB Bryant McFadden (groin)
In the Q&A posted earlier today, Blitzburgh Blog addressed the likely impact of Hampton and Starks being ruled out. Jonathan Scott steps in for Starks, while Chris Hoke plays NT. The Steelers do have good depth on the defensive line, and second year man Evander "Ziggy" Hood is a player to watch. Jonathan Scott started eight games at right tackle for the Bills last year and managed a mere 7.5 blown blocks leading to sacks, but is a better run blocker. Expect lots of Rashard Mendenhall and not much of Dennis Dixon throwing the ball down the field.
TENNESSEE TITANS
OUT: OT Mike Otto (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: DT Tony Brown (knee), DE William Hayes (knee)
Otto misses his second straight game. Both Brown and Hayes fully participated in practice on Friday, and Hayes did on Thursday as well. Though players listed as questionable are expected to play about half the time, I'd expect both Brown and Hayes to be in the lineup on Sunday.
Total Titans/Blitzburgh Blog Q&A: Part II
Yesterday, in Part I of this week's questions/answers exchange with Blitzburgh Blog, I answered their questions regarding Sunday's Tennessee Titans/Pittsburgh Steelers matchup.
Today, we'll switch roles, with Total Titans asking the questions and Blitzburgh Blog providing the insightful responses.
Part II of this week's Q&A exchange....after the jump.




