5 Things the Steelers must do to beat the Titans

The Steelers made it through week 1 in the 2010 season with a win and are now
1-0. But now they must travel to Tennesse to take on the Titans, a team that is
always a challenge for the Steelers. Here are 5 things they must do to remain
unbeaten.

5. Continued improvement by Dennis Dixon
Dixon made his second start in the NFL against Atlanta and his inexperience showed. He threw one interception and nearly threw a couple others. Fortunately the Falcon defense couldn't make the plays. Dixon did have his good moments too. He threw a perfect pass to Mike Wallace for a long completion, not an easy thing to do since Wallace can outrun most throws. Dixon was known as an accurate passer in college and hit 18 of 26 passes in this game. He should continue to improve with additional time with the first team offense allowing him to get in sync with his receivers more. Look for the Titans to stack the line until DD proves he can beat them with his passing. He must play better in this game to beat the Titans in their home.

4. More consistent play from Rashard Mendenhall
Because the Falcons did not believe that Dennis Dixon could beat them with his arm, they stacked the line and challenged him to do it. Because of this Mendenhall was tackled for losses several times. Maybe this will be the season Mendenhall becomes the runner they thought he would be when they drafted him, but he must avoid all those negative yardage plays. If he did not have the game winner against Atlanta, most would have probably considered that an average to below average performance for him. Mendenhall needs to turn some of those
negative yardage plays into gains for the Steelers to be on the winning side at the end of this game.

3. Backups will have to step up
Max Starks left the Atlanta game with what most thought was a high ankle sprain. This is an injury that most players and fans have come to realize can cost the player several games while trying to heal. Casey Hampton also left the game with a hamstring injury. If that is not given proper time to heal hamstring injuries will come back throughout the season. Behind these 2 players on the depth chart are Chris Hoke for Hampton and Jonathan Scott for Starks.
These two have to step up and provide quality play for the Steelers to win. Hoke must plug the hole and keep the rushing defense from giving up big plays by Chris Johnson. Scott must keep the Titans defense from attacking Dixon, something he didn't do well against the Falcons. If he is not able to do what is needed there may be some major shifting of the offensive line going on. The prognosis is good for Starks though since it was just a normal ankle sprain and not the dreaded high ankle sprain. He may be back by the next game. Hampton will be week to week. Backups, in general, need to step up for the Steelers to continue winning.

2. Keep Vince Young in the pocket
Vince Young is not the most accurate passer in the league. His feet and his running back are his weapons. The Steelers must keep him in the pocket and keep him from improvising to win this game. The more he throws the better the chances the Steelers have.

1. Hold Chris Johnson under 100 yards
It is no secret in the NFL that Chris Johnson is probably the elite running back in the league. If there's any doubt just remember the 2,000 yard club. He is one of the few members of this club. Also, remember if you're a member of this club your career is not long after this accomplishment. So, it is also no secret to Titans opponents what their game plan is, run, run, run. If the Steelers can stop Chris Johnson their chances to win this game are very good. The good news is this is the strength of the Steelers. Look for Johnson to be around 75 yards by the end of the game.

Steelers Rule!!!!!