Alright, the first week of football is officially behind us and now we’re finally able to really see what is going on with the teams (since pre-season offers so little insight). Obviously, it’s too early to start talking about trends, so I kind of consider week one the last pre-season game and what is really important is the change between games one and two. I wonder if that’s the argument for an 18 game schedule (I am not in favor of that, incase you were wondering). Anyway, there were some surprise wins (touché Dennis Dixon, touché), so lets see where everyone landed with their predictions – Andrew had 10 correct and 6 wrong, Genesis had 9 right and 7 wrong, and Greg went 8 and 8. Hey, we’re just dusting ourselves off AMIRIGHT JASON CAMPBELL!?
Get used to this blank face Raiders fans! It will haunt your dreams!
Sunday, Sept. 19 1:00 PM:
Pittsburgh Steelers AT Tennessee Titans – Dennis Dixon had a relatively rough start but was still able to lead the Steelers in four scoring drives – three field goals, and one 50-yard touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall in overtime. For 26 carries, the Raiders had Chris Johnson frustrated with only 56 yards, but then he broke one for 76 yards and a touchdown. Clearly, Chris Johnson hasn’t lost a step, and the Steelers proved that they can win games without Ben Roethlisberger.
Andrew’s pick – Tennessee Titans. Although the defense remains a strength of the Steelers, the offense only mustered one touchdown, which came in overtime against Atlanta. I think the Steelers will respect the running ability of Chris Johnson and Vince Young and force the Titans to air it out more, however, that won’t have an affect on the outcome of the game.
Greg’s pick – Tennessee Titans. If Pittsburgh can win this game – - they need to stop CJ, which I don’t really know is possible.
Gen’s pick – Tennessee Titans. I think that win by the Steelers’ against the Falcons last week was a fluke. The Ben Stillers’ defense is getting back to where it used to be, but against Chris “Got the Runs” Johnson, who ran for 142 yards last game against the Raiders, I think Pittsburgh will lose this game. Even if the Pitt defense keeps Chris Johnson in check, which they have done in the past, Vince Young threw two TD’s last game, proving they can score through the air. Plus, Dixon threw for over 200 yards last game and was only able to produce an interception. That’s not going to win you games.
