Jeff Fisher Loves Him Some Peyton Manning

I know that the Tennessee Titans got blasted 59-0 on Sunday — wait, Tom Brady just threw another TD pass to Randy Moss, it’s now 65-0 pending the extra point — and that their season is quickly spiraling down the john, but who would have expected their ultra-competitive coach to be donning the jersey of a division rival?

That’s just how low things fallen, however. In less than a year, the Titans have gone from 10-0 juggernaut to seeing their coach wear a Peyton Manning jersey and say that he finally “like a winner.”

As Bill Simmons might say, ladies and gentleman your 2009 Tennessee Titans!

… Continue Reading

Steelers-Titans Thursday Night Football Preview and Prediction

In case football fans needed anything else to get them warmed up for the 2009 season, Miami and Florida State engaged in an epic battle last night that came down to the final play. The U ended up stealing one at Doak Campbell Stadium — and, by the way, did anyone else come away really impressed with Graig Cooper? — putting an exciting capper on a solid first week of college football action.

This week, the big boys get added to the football queue, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans kicking off the 2009 NFL season on Thursday night.

Tell me that you aren’t just a little more excited this Tuesday than you’ve been on Tuesdays over the past few months. A little over 48 hours, that’s all we have to wait.

Before we delve into any matchups, here are all of the particulars that you need to know for the Steelers-Titans NFL season opener, courtesy of our MSF NFL Week 1 Preview and TV Schedule:

Tennessee Titans (0-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)

• Titans-Steelers Date: Thursday, September 10th
• Titans-Steelers TV & Kickoff Time: 8:30 ET on NBC
• Titans-Steelers Location: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh
• Titans-Steelers Announcers: Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth
• Titans-Steelers Point Spread: PIT -5.5 (as of 8/8 via DocSports’ NFL Odds)
• Titans-Steelers Over-Under: 35
• Injury Report: NFL.com Injuries
• StubHub: Steelers-Titans ticketsas low as $170.
• TickCo: Steelers-Titans tickets as low as $190.
• RazorGator: Steelers-Titans tickets as low as $195.
• TicketsNow: Steelers-Titans tickets as low as $169.

(Note: the low prices cited about for tickets are as of Tuesday, September 8th. This could obviously change between now and gameday.)

So, now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about what to watch for and see if we can tease out a prediction that we feel comfortable with.

First, let’s take a quick look at how these teams compared statistically in 2008 (all Titans-Steelers stats courtesy of NFL.com):

• Total Offense: Tennessee – 313.6 (21st) | Pittsburgh – 311.9 (22nd)
• Rushing O: Tennessee – 137.4 (7th) | Pittsburgh – 104.6 (23rd)
• Passing O: Tennessee – 176.2 (27th) | Pittsburgh – 206.3 (17th)
• Total Defense: Tennessee – 293.6 (7th) | Pittsburgh – 237.2 (1st)
• Rushing D: Tennessee – 93.9 (6th) | Pittsburgh – 80.2 (2nd)
• Passing D: Tennessee – 199.8 (9th) | Pittsburgh – 156.9 (1st)

Quite obviously we can see that these two teams were led by their defenses in 2008. So you would think that their one matchup was probably pretty low scoring right? That the Titans’ vaunted 1-2 rushing punch of Chris Johnson and LenDale White probably struggled mightily against the 3.3 yard per carry average the Steelers’ D held opponents to last year, right?

Well, that’s not quite what happened. The Titans won their Week 16 matchup against the Steelers last year 31-14 on their way to the #1 overall seed in the AFC playoffs. Chris Johnson and LenDale White carried 31 times for 117 yards (3.8 yard average) and scored 2 TDs. So while the Steelers did hold the Titans to 20 yards below their season average rushing the ball, the Titans were effective enough on the ground to win.

If you just looked at the stats, without knowing the outcome, you might actually think Pittsburgh won the game. The time of possession was even, Pittsburgh outgained Tennessee 374-322, and Pittsburgh converted 46% of their third downs compared to only 21% for Tennessee.

So what the hell happened?

As is often the case in the NFL: turnovers.

Ben Roethlisberger threw two INTs and and also fumbled four times, losing two of them. Tennessee, on the other hand, did not turn the ball over once. Add to that the fact that Pittsburgh carried the ball 25 times for 73 yards, and it balances the scales a bit and makes the Titans’ romp (21-7 in the second half) a little more understandable.

But as we all know, the Titans flamed out in the playoffs while the Steelers righted the ship and did not lose again, all the way through the Super Bowl.

What can we expect this year between the Titans and Steelers in their regular season matchup? I think it will be a game very similar to last year, except that that Steelers will be more protective of the ball, will be at home, and will squeeze out a victory as they begin their defense of Super Bowl #6.

A couple quick reasons why I think the Steelers will win:

1 – Ben Roethlisberger has had another hellish offseason and no doubt wants to put it all behind him and just start making plays on Sunday again.  The Titans present a formidable matchup, as they are still very sound defensively even without Albert Haynesworth, but I don’t think Ben turns the ball over four times.

2 – Heinz Field is not an easy to place to come into and steal a win.  The Steelers were 6-2 at home last year with their losses coming to the Giants and Colts. On Thursday night, I think the Heinz Field will be an especially tough place to play. The towels will be waving, the energy level will be extra high, and the Steelers will no doubt be immensely fired up to begin their title defense. I have a lot of faith in Mike Tomlin, despite my hatred for the Steelers, and am not picking against he and the Steelers at home in the team’s first game since winning the Super Bowl.

3 – Willie Parker’s yard per carry average has dropped each of the last three seasons, plummeting all the way to 3.8 yards per carry last season. He does, however, usually play well in the first game of the season or in his first game after a long break.

Case in point: last year Willie Parker had 138 yards on 25 attempts in Week 1 against Houston. He followed that up with 105 yards on 28 attempts against the Browns. Then he got hurt, missed four games, and over his next two starts carried the ball 46 times for 185 yards.

Clearly, Parker is at a stage in his career where he gets worn down when used consistently. The Steelers have already said they will use Rashard Mendenhall more to spell Parker, plus it’s only Week 1…so he can’t worn out yet. Contrary to what happened in Week 16 last year, I think a fresh Willie Parker allows the Steelers to run the ball for better than a 2.9 yard average this year.

Also, I think the Titans will struggle to clear the 100 yard mark on the ground Thursday night. I have Chris Johnson in a bunch of fantasy leagues, so I hope I’m wrong, but that Steelers D is going to be fired up and ready to make a statement that their dominance of 2008 will continue in 2009. Teams will have to wait until later in the season, when the Steelers are a little bit beaten up, to get any traction on the ground. And while the Titans brought in former Steelers Nate Washington to provide a deep threat, the Titans WRs and Kerry Collins’ ancient arm do not inspire me.

I do think that this will be a close, hard-fought game all the way through. However, the 4th quarter will be owned by Pittsburgh, I think Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu will come through big plays late (like they always seem to), and the Steelers will pull away down the stretch. 

If I were a betting man I’d take the Steelers and give the points. I’m not, so I’ll just sit back Thursday night and enjoy the first game of what should be another awesome 17 weeks of regular season NFL football.

**********

* – James Harrison / Chris Johnson photo credit: Getty images via ESPN.com

* – Mike Tomlin photo credit: LifesAboutADream.com

2009 Hall of Fame Game Tickets and Preview: Bills-Titans TV, Odds, and Prediction

NFL Hall of Fame Game Preview

• Hall of Fame Game Matchup: Buffalo Bills v Tennessee Titans
• Hall of Fame Game Date: Sunday, August 9th, 2009
• Hall of Fame Game TV: NBC
• Hall of Fame Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Hall of Fame Game Odds: Tennessee Titans -3
• Hall of Fame Game Over/Under: 31.5
• TickCo: Bills-Titants Hall of Fame Game Tickets
• RazorGator: Bills-Titans Hall of Fame Game Tickets
• StubHub: 

NFL Hall of Fame Game odds are posted and the field in Canton is ready for Sunday. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait. It’s only the preseason, yes, but it signals the NFL’s return. I can’t help but want to break down the Bills/Titans game like it’s the Super Bowl, so I’m gonna do it for you.

The most important thing to remember when betting on preseason NFL games is that you have to throw traditional analysis out the window. You can’t look at the Titans’ running game and think it will stomp the Bills because, odds are, the Titans’ top runners will barely play. Let’s break down the game from a unique preseason perspective.

First off, don’t be surprised if this game goes under the 31.5-point projected total. The preseason isn’t about scoring touchdowns; it’s about trying out the playbook and getting looks at everyone on your team, so the points may be few and far in between. Secondly, don’t be surprised if the Bills, listed as three-point underdogs, pull off the upset. Here’s why.

THE BILLS’ FIRST-TEAM PASSING OFFENSE SHOULD PLAY MORE THAN TENNESSEE’S. The theme of the year in Buffalo is the T.O. show, and I’m betting management and Owens alike want to make a statement on a national stage Sunday night. Owens needs to establish a rapport with Trent Edwards soon, so the Bills’ starters may play a few extra series and Owens could find the end zone.

VINCE YOUNG SIGHTING! While Kerry Collins isn’t exactly a valuable commodity, the Titans will try to preserve him for the starting caretaker, er, quarterback role in the regular season. That means Vince Young should see plenty of action in the Hall of Fame Game. While some faithful Texas fans may think their former NCAA football betting standout could make some noise on Sunday, I think he’ll be rustier than the Tin Man at the beginning of The Wizard of Oz.

TENNESSE’S THIRD –STRING DEFENSE, I’D LIKE YOU TO MEET FORMER NFL STARTER DOMINIC RHODES. What the Bills lack in talent they make up in depth. Dominic Rhodes has performed decently in starting duty but is likely the third-string running back behind Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. He should get lion’s share of the carries on Sunday and he’ll do so primarily against backups.

CHRIS JOHNSON AND LENDALE WHITE WILL BE AWESOME…IN THE REGULAR SEASON. There’s just no way Jeff Fisher overuses his powerhouse running back tandem. Quinton Ganther will get the rock for Tennessee and he’s unproven.

Hall of Fame Game NFL Prediction: Bills. They have more to prove in the preseason and their backups are more experienced.

NFL Playoffs: Ravens-Titans Divisional Round Preview and Prediction

Sadly, there are no true Midwest teams left in the NFL playoffs. The Colts were our last great hope, but their season fizzled in overtime against the Chargers. I’m not a Colts fan by any means, but at least covering their playoff run would have given us something to do here at Midwest Sports Fans.

As it is, we will have to adopt a team that is kind of in the Midwest…but not really: The Tennessee Titans.

As everyone knows, the Titans used the mustache voodoo of Jeff Fisher to jump out to a great start this season before falling back to the pack a bit. Led by a great game with rookie RB Chris Johnson and LenDale White, efficient QB play by Kerry Collins, and one of the most dominant defensive lines in the NFL, the Titans were able to secure the #1 seed in the AFC Playoffs.

And their reward?

The Baltimore Ravens, whose defense and running game are absolutely hitting on all cylinders right now. The Ravens and Titans will duke it out this weekend for the chance to go to the AFC Championship game, in what should be a physical, smash-mouth type of game that may make you sore just watching it from your couch.

Here are the particulars of the game, including TV schedule, announcer lineup, and point spreads. (As usual, point spread and over-under odds sponsored by the NFL Football Handicapping experts at DocSports.)

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans

• Saturday, January 10, 2009
• TV Schedule: 4:30 ET on CBS
• Announcer lineup: Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Point Spread: Tennessee Titans -3
• Over-Under: 34 1/2

(Follow the link to see the TV schedule, announcer pairings, and point spreads for the other NFL Divisional Round Playoff games this weekend.)

Before I give you mine, what is your prediction?

Who will win the Ravens-Titans AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game this Saturday?

• Tennessee Titans
• Baltimore Ravens

View Results

 Loading ...

And some good links as you get ready for gameday:

Ravens-Titans GameCenter with stats, team, info, etc. – (NFL.com)

Don’t forget that the Titans have a great defense too – (Thomas George, NFL.com)

Ravens-Titans Scouting Report – Expect a physical game (Pat Kirwan, NFL.com)

Injury News: Haynesworth practices, but Ed Reed, Todd Heap, and Derrick Mason do not — (Pro Football Talk)

I am really excited for this game. While I hate the Ravens, of course, there is no denying that the star power and play-making ability of their defense makes them an intriguing team to watch. What has been surprising about Baltimore this season has been the proficiency of their offense.

I think people are going a little too overboard in their praise of Joe Flacco — he is managing games and not making critical mistakes, but is by no means winning games — but the consistency of their run game has been deadly in recent weeks. Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee have used huge 4th quarter bursts to salt games away against Dallas and Miami, and it will be imperative that Tennessee stop these two guys in the second half and give Kerry Collins and the offense a chance to win the game.

I do think that Tennessee will somewhat put the clamps on Baltimore’s run game, but they won’t stop it completely. And I’m not sure I totally trust Joe Flacco to stay out of trouble against a physical, ball-hawking D.

However, I just can’t pick against the Ravens D. Ed Reed is a one man wrecking crew in the secondary, Ray Lewis has been playing great, and Terrell Suggs has been a monster rushing the passer. Tennessee has a right to demand respect for their defense, but they don’t have the proven big-game playmakers that the Ravens do. If Chris Johnson can break some runs, and Kerry Collins can hit some passes downfield, Tennessee has a chance.

But I think Baltimore is coming out ahead in this one, and moving on to face Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game.

And if that happens, at least the Browns can take some pride that they played in the division with the two best teams in the AFC. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t compete with them. This weekend will be another reminder of why.

Baltimore Ravens 20 | Tennessee Titans 13

NFL Power Rankings – Week 10 | Giants First, Titans Second, Lions Suck

Every sports website on the planet has one of these, so Midwest Sports Fans has decided to have one as well.

Here are my top 5 NFL teams and bottom 5 NFL teams heading into week 10.

1. New York Giants / 7-1- I know, I know, I hear you all already, I can see the responses, how can the 7-1 Giants be ranked higher than the 8-0 Titans? Simple. They play in a much tougher conference, and are the defending Super Bowl Champions. Minus the Cleveland Browns game, they look far more impressive than they did in their Super Bowl run last year.

2. Tennessee Titans / 8-0- When I watch this team, it reminds me of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl team. Great running game, great defensive play, and a quarterback who manages the game, with one exception. Kerry Collins has proven this year that he has the accuracy and decision making to produce an effective pass game as well.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers / 6-2- Again, great defense with a talented mix on offense. The Steelers, even through injuries, manage to center their offensive scheme around what talent they have to work with. Mike Tomlin has been impressive through his first year and a half at the helm and definitely has his players performing at a high level.

… Continue Reading

Tennessee Titans – Moustache Magic or Voodoo: You Decide

The 2008 Tennessee Titans have been something of a juggernaut. The stifling defense came out of nowhere for non-fantasy football players and the emergence of Kerry Collins as a *gulp* competent QB has not only raised a lot of eyebrows, its blown most of the AFC south away.

Their 4 game lead on Indianapolis could prove to be something of a shifting of the guard, and Vince Young could prove to be the most unnecessary draft pick this side of Brian Bosworth. Maybe it’s because I am an Oakland fan, but Kerry Collins is starting? And winning? Can anyone please explain this to me?

I believe this can be attributed to three things. The first being a mediocre schedule. Let’s look at a few of the teams they have played. Jacksonville has been a huge disappointment (and If I were a player there I would fear Del Rio, fear him so much that there is a possibility maybe it would distract me from my on-field duties), Cincy has been a lame duck, Kansas City is coached by Herm Edwards (Great press conferences, bad coach), and the Colts are not what they have been the last few years. Their upcoming schedule isn’t much either, as there are only two games (this week against Green Bay and later Pittsburgh) that I can foresee them losing.

… Continue Reading

Week 9 Fire and Ice Fantasy Football Forum | Matt Ryan-Reggie Bush

What an exciting week 8, was it not?

In taking in all week 8 had to offer, there were a few glaring issues or situations that stood out above the rest. Here’s who and what they were.

Matt Ryan, QB-Falcons. ON FIRE.

Yes, the Falcons lost, so why is he on fire. Have you seen him play? Do you remember he is only a Rookie? I cannot remember a rookie QB making this kind of an impact this fast. The Falcons were supposed to the worst team in football this year. Ryan has given the Falcons a 4-3 record, which is 4 more wins than most predicted they would have. Mike who? Yes, he has eased the pain of the loss of the Falcons entire offense going to Federal prison.

The Falcons coaches displayed their obvious comfort with Ryan throwing, as two out of every three plays were a pass against the Eagles. Ryan has had impressive outings against two defenses that are savages when it comes to applying pressure to quarterbacks, especially rookies, those being the Bears and the Eagles. Even though Matt Forte and Chris Johnson have been impressive, if Ryan continues, here is your 2008 NFL Rookie of the year! … Continue Reading

Monday Night Football Preview: Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans Prediction

Tonight at 8:30 ET on ESPN, the 3-3 Indianapolis Colts travel to Nashville to take on the 6-0 Tennessee Titans. A quick perusal of the numbers and it is extremely difficult to see how this will be a competitive game:

—Tennessee has outscored its opponents 149-66. The Colts have been outscored 128-131.

—The Colts can’t stop the run, while Tennessee may be the most proficient running team in the NFL with the “Slash n Dash” combo of rookie Chris Johnson and LenDale White.

—Tennessee’s defense has been absolutely stifling all year, allowing only 268.5 yards per game. The normally high-octane Colts offense has been inconsistent and out of sync for much of the season, averaging a lethargic 70 yards rushing per game.

—The Colts have been decimated with injuries to key players like Joseph Addai and Bob Sanders. The Titans have been relatively healthy, although they are dealing with nagging injuries to two top receivers, Justin Gage and Justin McCareins.

Looks like a blowout win for the Titans right? Well, I say not so fast.

… Continue Reading