Steelers vs. Titans: Key Match-ups
The Steelers will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Obviously, this will be a battle between two football teams. However, there are several specific match-ups that may play the biggest role in determining the outcome of the game.
These are the key match-ups to watch when the Steelers face the Titans:
Lawrence Timmons vs. Michael Roos
Lawrence Timmons will be replacing James Harrison at outside linebacker this week. Timmons was originally drafted to play outside linebacker. Moreover, he has filled in for both LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison at outside linebacker before. So he does have experience playing the outside linebacker position in the NFL.
The problem is that Timmons will be facing Titans left tackle Michel Roos. At 6’7″, 320 lb., Roos is a load. More importantly, he’s one of the best, and most consistent, left tackles in the NFL.
Timmons is definitely not going to overpower Roos. But perhaps his speed will be enough to overcome Roos.
Advantage: Titans
Ike Taylor vs. Nate Washington
Former Steelers receiver Nate Washington is the leading pass catcher for the Titans. With receiver Kenny Britt out with an injury, an even larger portion of the receiving burden will fall to Washington.
Fortunately, Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor is more than up to the task of covering Washington. Ike has been playing at an extraordinary level this season. In fact, other than Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor has probably been the most consistent member of the Steelers’ defense.
Ike is more than up to the task of shutting down Washington. In fact, I predict that Nate is in for a very long day on Sunday.
Advantage: Steelers
Max Starks vs. Jason Jones
Big Max was signed off the streets earlier this week, and he already finds himself in the Steelers’ starting lineup. Jason Jones isn’t particularly good, but if Starks’ cardio isn’t up to par, he may make Jones look like Reggie White.
Advantage: TBD
Mike Wallace vs. Courtland Finnegan
Courtland Finnegan is a speedy cornerback who is going to have his hands full going against Mike Wallace. Finnegan is fast, but Wallace is faster.
Finnegan is a former Pro Bowl and All-Pro cornerback, so he’s not to be taken lightly. However, he’s best known for talking trash.
Let’s see how much trash he talks after Wallace burns him for a long touchdown or two.
Advantage: Steelers
Steelers run “D” vs. Chris Johnson
The Steelers defense has been suspect (to put it mildly) against the run.
Titans’ running back Chris Johnson is…………..Chris Johnson. Need I say more?
Advantage: Titans
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