Titans v Steelers

A few thoughts from the NFL's opening game:

The Steelers running woes continue. Yes, the Titans represent possibly the stiffest defensive line in the league and will be hard to run on all year but 36 rushing yards on 23 carries is fairly pitiful. Roethlisberger was the only Steeler to average over 2 yards a carry (and that on only 1 rush). Willie Parker was benched in the 4th quarter and OT.

Kenny Britt, the first round pick from Rutgers, can be an effective weapon for the Titan's offense. He will need to develop his route-running and alertness but, on a team severely requiring a big-play WR, Britt can prosper.

Chris Hope and Michael Griffin might be the best safety pairing in the league.

Troy Polamalu had as impressive a first-quarter as any defensive player can hope for. Hopefully for the Steelers he can return from his awkward looking knee injury.

The Titans line, anchored by Michael Roos, is really good. Pittsburgh's line has some problems, particularly on the right side.

Daniel Sepulveda, on IR all of last year, gives the Steelers a boost in the kicking game. Stefan Logan, all 5'6 of him, looked explosive on returns.

Will either of these teams throw the ball more than they did in game 1? Collins and Roethlisberger went a combined 55/78 for 607 yards and both looked impressive doing it. Collins appeared to have more freedom than last year while Big Ben has earned all the creative abandon that can be gained on a football field. The Steelers QB is also in the Brady/Manning conversation as to who you might want leading your team in the 4th quarter.

How much did Tennessee miss Albert Haynesworth? They recorded 4 sacks but struggled to pressure Ben in the fourth quarter and OT, particularly when they only rushed 4, a hallmark of 2008's 13-3 season.

Chris Johnson could beat himself in a race. He's that fast.

Heath Miller might be the most underrated TE in the league. So smart, so strong, good hands and an eye for the moment. It's not all about fantasy points in the big leagues.

The champs always win the opener, that's 10 in a row now, but both these teams should be in the running for postseason play.

Finally, Santonio Holmes has an eye for symmetry; 9 catches for 131 yards is exactly the line he had in the Superbowl. He could be on the verge of a true breakout season.