2009 NFL Season Opener: Pittsburgh Steelers Host Tennessee Titans in Battle of AFC Heavyweights

The 2009 NFL season officially kicks off on Thursday night as eth defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans in a matchup between two AFC heavyweights.

Tennessee is coming off a 2008 NFL season that saw them post the best regular season record in football at 13-3 but their season ended in disappointment as they fell to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. For Pittsburgh, they managed to put a regular season 31-14 loss to the Titans behind them as they breezed through the AFC playoffs and eventually knocked off the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl.

The Steelers were unquestionably the best defensive unit from a year ago. Led by James Harrison and his 16 sacks and Troy Polamalu and his seven interceptions the Steelers allowed just 13.9 points per game while surrendering just 156.9 passing yards and 80.3 rushing yards per contest. Tennessee’s defense wasn’t far behind Pittsburgh as they were the only other team to allow an average of less than 15 points per game, 14.6 but they could be a bit different without Albert Haynesworth at tackle.

Thursday night’s showdown will almost certainly be a defensive battle but both teams have capable offenses that can put up points. Tennessee may turn to Chris Johnson to eat up some yards against the Steelers after his performance from a year ago. In that win Johnson rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown while his counterpart LenDale White rushed for 48 yards and a TD. Titans QB Kerry Collins also had a solid game, finishing 20/29 for 215 yards and a touchdown.

Pittsburgh’s QB Ben Roethlisberger would certainly like some redemption after last year, as he tossed two costly interceptions. Willie Parker is also on the list of players who would like to get some revenge as he was held to just 31 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

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