Jeff Fisher doesn't deserve criticism this time

Written by Andrew Strickert on .

There are a lot of things I believe Jeff Fisher deserves criticism for but his decision to substitute Kerry Collins for Vince Young isn't one of them.
 
Changing quarterbacks during a game used to be commonplace in the NFL. As an older fan, this is perhaps why Jeff Fisher's decision yesterday didn't bother me a bit. As a matter of fact, I wish he had changed quarterbacks on several occasions (all post-Steve McNair) before yesterday.
 
Here are some famous examples of how common it used to be, after the break.

Upon further review: VY's play against the Steelers

Written by Tom Gower on .

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

Written by Drexel Perry on .

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch under pressure from Jason Babin of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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

Written by Tom Gower on .

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

Written by Andrew Strickert on .

The Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers once had a fierce divisional rivalry, which ended with the 2002 realignment. None of the Titans who will suit up against the Steelers Sunday were with the team eight years ago and the game may not be a rivalry to them but it's still a huge rivalry to thousands of long-time diehard Titans fans.
 
This game will more than likely be played the same way Titans-Steelers games used to be played -- hard-hitting, tough, defensive battles.

Titans-Steelers injury report and impact

Written by Tom Gower on .

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

Written by Drexel Perry on .

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 21: Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to tackle Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans during their game on December 21, 2008 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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.