Pros:
- What a difference a coaching change makes. Granted, Jerry Gray wasn't fired, but the addition of Gregg Williams paid huge dividends yesterday. Despite having one of the worst defenses in NFL history last season, there was a lot of talent throughout the unit, but Gray's conservative style wouldn't allow that talent to make a difference. Gregg dialed up numerous blitzes, disguised coverages, and never allowed Big Ben to feel comfortable.
- Jurrell Casey, Zach Brown, and Jason McCourty all would get game balls from me. Casey destroyed the Steelers interior line and might be the most dominant DT we've had since a 2008 Albert Haynesworth. Brown was in on almost every tackle and has picked up from where he left off on his strong rookie year (fuck your "allergic to contact" comment Mike Mayock). I'm not sure McCourty gave up a catch all day. When they did throw in his direction, he blanketed Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, and wouldn't give the WRs a chance to catch anything.
- Michael Griffin. I didn't hear his name, so that's a good thing.
- Running game. The numbers weren't pretty, but they set the tone for the game. Numerous 3rd and 1s and 4th and 1s were converted that weren't last year because of the upgrade of power backs (Javon Ringer/Jamie Harper to Shonn Greene/Jackie Battle). :cj2k:'s stats were unimpressive, but he didn't try to go for the homerun every time last the last few seasons. Besides the Jarvis Jones big hit, I can't remember if he lost yards on a carry.
Neither Pros nor Cons:
- Jake Locker. Again, the numbers suggest that he didn't play well, but box score analysts are horrible people. He did miss some passes and was hurt from some drops, but no turnovers in his first start against a Dick LeBeau defense? Try finding a quarterback who has done that before. His mobility in the pocket extended some plays, and he completed four first down passes - two of which were from 10 yards out or longer.
Cons:
- Darius Reynaud. No words needed.
- Momentum-killing penalties. There were a few drives that could have ended in points, but something stupid such as a chop block or a personal foul halted everything. This has always been a problem it seems.
- Drops. Damian Williams had a big drop on a 3rd and 15 conversion.
Good win, especially considering the Titans never start off the season on a good note and it was against Pittsburgh. I don't think the defense is the top five unit it showed it was yesterday, but they're certainly a lot better than last season's group. On the flip side, the offense isn't as bland as they suggested yesterday either. Next week at Houston will provide a nice test.