Week 1 NFL Analysis - Steelers vs. Titans - Intangibles / Prediction

Time to "Put Up or Shut Up" for the Steelers

Time for the final installment of the weekly analysis pieces that I put together for your viewing pleasure.  This has me analyzing the "intangibles" of the upcoming game pitting the Steelers and Titans.  What are the intangibles...things that aren't X's and O's but still play a role in the outcome of the game.  Here we go with the final analysis piece...and at the bottom...my prediction for the game!  You could just contact Vegas because I'm pretty much never wrong...just sayin!

- Tomlin Flawless at Home on Opening Day - Mike Tomlin has never lost at Heinz Field to open the season.  Say what you want, but things like that tend to hold true with me.  Not to mention the Steelers aren't playing a primetime game to kick off the season which I think helps the team have a sense of normalcy for the first game of the season.  The Steelers should feel like they are on a mission this year, and one of the goals on that mission should be to improve their home record.  it starts in Week 1.

- Special Teams - I know I said there wouldn't be any X's and O's talked in the "Intagibles" article, but the Steelers special teams have been so bad and penalized so often that is does need to be discussed.  If the Steelers can limit mistakes on special teams then they have a great chance of being in the game no matter the circumstances.  I am not talking about having a return for a TD on a kickoff or punt return.  No, I'm just talking about having a return without a holding or blocking in the back penalty.  Having a kickoff or punt unit that doesn't allow the big return.  THOSE are those little things that need to happen for the Steelers to be "in it to win it".

- Too Old and Too Young? - The Steelers have been called "Old and Slow" by an analyst that has had one too many double bacon cheeseburgers.  They have been called too young by others that aren't as heavy as the previously stated analyst.  To me, the Steelers have a great mix of youth and experience on their team.  Where there is a veteran, next to him is a younger player that is learning and ready to make an impact any way that he can.  I don't see the "old" tag or the "young" tag being a factor with this team. 

- Set the Tone - The Steelers can make a statement on Sunday.  Alot of teams come out of the gates sluggish and not "in sync" (and I'm not referring to that boy band).  The Steelers can really make a statement even if it isn't against a team that some people are considering to be a contender in the AFC.  Just like I tell my teams, how you win can be just as important as the win itself.  If the Steelers come out and play dominant football in all 3 phases, they are making a statement to the league that this is not a .500 team, but a team to be reckoned with...plain and simple.

- Coaching Edge - Mike Tomlin and Mike Munchak are two young head coaches that have alot of upside.  Tomlin has more experience under his belt, and for that reason I give him the nod over the Titans bench boss (to steal a hockey term).  Tomlin has been under his fair share of pressure as some of the team's issues can be traced directly back to coaching and leadership.  Tomlin has changed his typical MO by having a training camp that was focused on physicality and being prepared for the upcoming season.  No surprise there, especially with the youth at some positions on this team.  Tomlin has as much to prove this season as any of the players do, but I still like him as a coach and can see the improvement in him as a coach from year 1 to this year.

Here it is...drum roll please...my prediction...

PREDICTION -
Steelers - 34
Titans - 24