Steelers 13 Titans 3 – Halftime thoughts

It should be more.

The Steelers lead the Titans 13-3 at the half at LP Field in Tennessee, but considering they have had four turnovers in the first half, you would think they would be up 20-3 or more. You take it though, as they will kick off to the Titans to start the second half.

Here’s some thoughts on the first half and what could come up in the second half as the Steelers look to go to 2-0.

1. The kickoff was a thing of beauty – Love the aggressive play call on the opening kickoff to get the ball in Antonio Brown’s hands, and he did the rest. Considering Stefan Logan toiled all season last year and didn’t take one back, and now in his first pro game Brown did, shows the Steelers made the right move keeping this rookie on the roster at the expense of Logan.

2. QB play has been awful – The Steelers two QB’s, Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch have combined to go 7-of-13 for just 42 yards. Now Batch did have a TD throw to Mike Wallace called back, and it looks like with Dixon nursing a knee injury, it will be Batch’s game to lose. Charlie is going to need to make a few plays, and more importantly, not make mistakes to win the game.

3. Holding VY and CJ in check – Kudos in the first to a physical Steelers D doing a great job on both Vince Young and Chris Johnson. Young has been harassed into two picks, one for Troy Polamalu and the other to LaMarr Woodley. Johnson did break off an long TD run, but there was an obvious hold that was rightly called. Johnson has 26 yards on 10 carries, and Young has thrown for 66. If the D can do that again in the second half, the Steelers will win.

4. Be Special – Jeff Reed has hit two field goals, and the kickoff has been the difference on the scoreboard. They did give up a 40-yard punt return, and have to get that in check, but if the team can keep playing good in other areas, it’s a big part of the game that can help the Steelers earn a win.

I am sure Mike Tomlin is reminding them right now they have had issues after having leads last season. They are up 10, and need to keep bringing the heat. If they can do pretty much what they did in teh second half, this team is going to be 2-0. Final – Pitt 23 Tennessee 13