Steelers Shut Down Titans in Fourth Quarter, Extend Road Skid to 8
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Ravens Dominate Titans in London, 26-13
In a Thursday night game that kicked off Week 9 with much fanfare, the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers traded field goals most of the night before Pittsburgh was able to score late and hold off a last-ditch effort by the Titans in a 20-16 win.
With 4:02 remaining in the fourth quarter, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett found wide receiver Diontae Johnson for the 3-yard touchdown. The score gave the Steelers a 20-13 lead, and the Titans were unable to respond.
The Titans (3-5) lost their eighth straight road game and fourth road loss of the season. They were unable to contain the Steelers’ run game, led by Najee Harris (15 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown) and Jaylen Warren (10 carries for 85 yards).
Rookie quarterback Will Levis made a case to be the starter for the rest of the season for the Titans. Despite facing a ferocious pass rush, Levis gave the Titans a chance to win but fell just short. He finished the game 23-of-39 passing for 284 yards and a touchdown.
The Steelers (4-4) improved to .500 with the win. Pickett continues to improve in his second season, and the Steelers’ defense is one of the best in the league.
Takeaways for the Steelers
- The Steelers’ run game was a major factor in the win. Harris and Warren were both effective, and their running helped to keep the Titans’ defense off balance.
- Pickett had another solid game. He made some big throws in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning touchdown pass to Johnson.
- The Steelers’ defense was dominant, especially in the second half. They held the Titans to just three points in the second half and forced two turnovers.
Takeaways for the Titans
- The Titans’ road woes continue. They have not won a road game since Week 17 of last season.
- The Titans’ running game was ineffective. They rushed for just 85 yards as a team.
- The Titans’ defense needs to improve. They gave up 20 points to the Steelers, who are not a high-powered offense.
The Steelers are a team on the rise. They have a young quarterback in Pickett who is improving with each game, and they have a solid defense. The Titans are a team on the decline. They have struggled on the road all season, and their offense has been inconsistent.
