Steelers vs Titans Week 5 Recap – Back to Basics

Coming into week 5, Pittsburgh's normally honored franchise was in complete turmoil, with the injury list growing every day, the offensive line in shambles, and the media proclaiming the defense was 'too old and too slow'. On the other side of the coin, the upstart Titans team had been one of the pleasant surprises in the NFL this year, behind stable veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck and a tight defensive scheme. This was surely a huge test of legitimacy for the Titans, and a statement game for the Steelers.

The first drive of the game seemed to be more of the same for Pittsburgh of late, missing tackles and allowing a big run off-tackle to Tennessee star Chris Johnson. It looked like the media was right, and the former staunch Steelers' D was crumbling yet again this season. But the drive stalled on several Titan penalties, and the coverage tightened up, allowing just a field goal. Sadly for Tennessee, this was one of their best drives and bright spots of the day.

Pittsburgh was finally able to get back to basics, and do things the way they used to. They found their success early and often by using the 'Steeler football' that made them so accomplished in years prior. That formula was simple: pound the ball, control the clock, protect QB Roethlisberger as he makes solid throws to extend drives, and play tight, aggressive defense. The Steelers did just that as they went on to score three consecutive first half touchdowns, without having to punt at all (though they did execute a fake punt pass on 4th down for 33 yards). Backup RB's Issac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer filled in nicely, as Dwyer ran for over 100 yards on his first carries of the year, and Redman added another 50 on several hard-fought power runs.

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The second half was the same story. Tennessee had two second-half TD's to bring the game to within 14 points, but the Steeler attack simply proved to be too much in the end. All the problems that been the bane of Pitt's existence in the earlier weeks seemed to be considerably improved in this game. The offensive line didn't allow a single sack on Roethlisberger...in fact he was barely hit at all. Newly re-acquired OT Max Starks played excellent football, and Jonathan Scott filled in nicely for injured rookie Marcus Gilbert. Not only did the Steelers find their running game, but they stopped the run consistently, as Chris Johnson had very little success after his first carry and the Steelers front 7 converged time after time, swarming him in the backfield.

The passing game of the Steelers should not be overlooked here either. Roethlisberger played a nearly flawless game (minus a miscommunication INT he threw at the end of the first half), throwing for 228 and tying a career high 5 TD passes. Mike Wallace (who gets mentioned here every week) chimed in with 82 yards, including a 40 yard TD catch that iced the game. Hines Ward also finally made an appearance this season, gaining over 50 yards and grabbing his first two TD's of the year. CB Ike Taylor's coverage on the Tennessee counterparts was phenomenal, as the Steelers top the Titans 38-17.

Now the Steelers try to maintain their momentum and get healthy as the Titans continue to fight to stay atop their division.

By Jason Burke
Pro Football Fans Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent