PITTSBURGH, PA — The Steelers opened up their season with a very poor showing against the Tennessee Titans, losing 16-9. After a gift on the first play of the game, the offense showed very few promising signs, and the Steelers, for the first time in eleven seasons, lost their home opener.
The opening play of the game had Steeler Nation up in roar. Titans return man, Darius Reynaud, gave up a safety on the first play of the game. He fielded the ball, barely stepped out of the end zone, and took a knee in the end zone. After the Steelers were given two points in the first three seconds of the game, fans didn’t have much to cheer about.
The Steelers had a great opportunity to jump to a two-possession lead early on, but it was cut short due to an Issac Redman fumble inside the Titans 10-yard line. The Titan took a 7-2 lead a few drives later on a 3-yard touchdown run from Jackie Battle.
Kicker Rob Bironas converted three field goals in three attempts. He was good from 26, 44, and 27 yards out.
Pittsburgh put up a late touchdown on the board on a four-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery finished the game with four catches for 34 yards. Emmanuel Sanders caught seven passes, while Antonio Brown pulled in five.
The rushing game was nonexistent, as the team combined for 32 total rushing yards.
Ben Roethlisberger threw for 191 yards, a touchdown, and a interception.
Center Maurkice Pouncey was injured in the first quarter and did not return. He was rushed to the hospital for further evaluation. It has been reporter that he and Larry Foote will both need surgery. Pouncey has a torn ACL and MCL, and Foote has torn biceps.
The Steelers are 0-1 to start the season, and have a tough matchup next Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Photo Credit: USA Today
