The defense of the Titans is solid as a whole but has its weak points. The Defensive Ends are, an aging Javon Kearse, and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Vanden Bosch is definitely the front anchor of that line. The real question is can Javon Kearse stay healthy and perform. This Pro-Bowler rebounded last year with 34 tackles but only 3.5 sacks. From 2001-2005 he averaged 8.5 a season (excluding 2002 when he got hurt after 4 games.) At 33 can he still perform? If not then teams are going to attack his side and break through. He is usually on the Left End, if the Titans run Keith Bullock at Left Outside Linebacker, he could make the stops. Kieth Bullock is fast and powerful. He is two years removed from 143 tackles (last year he had 98) but he is still fast enough to catch speedy Running Backs. If the defense of the Titans is talked about then Cornerback, Cortland Finnegan must be mentioned. He had 5 interceptions this past season (his 3rd) and was making quarterbacks scared to go his way. The Free Safety, Michael Griffin is coming off of a great season with 75 tackles and 7 interceptions.
The Titans offense is a different story. For Quarterback they have a 37 year old Kerry Collins, a bust in Pat Ramsey, and drama in Vince Young. Their receivers are no-namers but they have two Running Backs in Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Johnson had over 1200 yards rushing last year and White had 15 touchdowns respectively. However, without a quarterback and receivers this offense will be poor.
The Steelers are the defending champions but it is hard to repeat in the NFL. The defensive line sounds like a Pro-Bowl roster; Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith are all great players. With power in Hampton and speed in Keisel and Smith, the backfield gets stuffed very often. Linebackers James Harrison and James Farrior disrupt offensive consistency. Harrison can easily play man coverage if necessary and also make big hits. Don't forget the beast of the Defensive Backs, Troy Polamalu. The whole league knows about his strength but might forget he had 7 interceptions last year. The defense of the Steelers is historically very good and, if it stays healthy, it will continue.
The offense is good but not great. RB Willie Parker only played in 11 games last year but has great breakaway-open field speed. If he stays healthy he could help the team get back to the Championship. For Receivers they have Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, a great two option choice. As well as Tight End Heath Miller, who can make great catches. Of course their QB Ben Roethlisberger will be hot, he even beat Shaq on that bad reality TV show.
This will be fun to watch when the Steelers have the ball. When the Titans have the ball the Steel Curtain will swarm and destroy. A definite stat booster for the Steeler defense.
Winner: Steelers
MIA vs ATL: Matt Ryan and the Offense will dominate the staggered Dolphin Defense.
KC vs BAL: KC is all messed up and the Ravens are well balanced and could win their division.
PHI vs CAR: CAR will show no mercy trying to avenge their 2008 NFC Championship embarrassment.
DEN vs CIN: Carson Palmer is healthy and the broncos are in disarray.
MIN vs CLE: This will be close but Brett Favre is too old and won't perform well n the Viking Offense.
NYJ vs HOU: The Jets are trying to find themselves as a team and the Texans Offense is strong.
JAX vs IND: Three years removed from the Super Bowl, you know the Colts are Contenders.
DET vs NO: Drew Brees could carry any team to the playoffs and the Lions are just finding themselves.
DAL vs TB: Tampa Bay has Josh Freeman and Cadillac Williams but the Cowboys will grind out a close win.
SF vs ARI: The 49ers are in a transitions year and won't do much in the getting strong AFC West.
WAS vs NYG: This will be easy for possible Superbowl Champions to win, especially but getting to Jason Campbell.
STL vs SEA: The Seahawks will be very good this year and should overpower Steven Jackson and the Rams.
CHI vs GB: One of the best teams in the league will out-run and out-pass the weak defensed Bears.
BUF vs NE: UPSET After losing Richard Seymore, the Patriots have a not so solid line, not so solid Linebackers core, and not so solid DB's. Buffalo is going to make a big splash this season.
SD vs OAK: UPSET The Raiders will stun the world as they use all three of their superstar RB's to catch the Chargers off guard. With Shawne Merriman having off-field drama again, their defense is slipping.
