As the Titans prepare to face off against the Steelers in an exciting Thursday night showdown, there are several key elements to anticipate. This game holds the promise of a thrilling contest, as two teams struggling to find consistent form in the 2023 NFL season clash. Both sides may have had struggles since last season, but this year the tables seem to be turning in a more positive direction.
The Steelers’ early success has been slowed down by injuries, while the Titans’ rise from a shaky start has been fueled by new quarterback Will Levis’s promising debut. This encounter will not only test these teams’ endurance and strategy but also their ability to adapt to new challenges.
Here are the four things to watch for in this electrifying matchup:
Thursday Night Showdown: Can Kenny Pickett Overcome a Slow Start?
The Steelers’ quarterback has been a stalwart presence on the field, demonstrating resilience and grit through his 19 starts. However, his performance has raised a few eyebrows. Pickett’s early game starts have been somewhat timid, with a completion rate of just over half of his passes in the first quarter. His first-quarter stats reveal a concerning trend – a mere 19 completions from 37 attempts, three interceptions, and six sacks. This tendency to start slow has been compounded by his susceptibility to injuries and an alarming number of hits and sacks.
Facing the Titans’ formidable pressure unit led by Jeffery Simmons, Arden Key, and Harold Landry, Pickett will need to bring his A-game. Despite the Titans’ weak turnover ratio, their red-zone defense is top-tier, proven by their domination over the Bengals’ offense in Week 4. However, the Titans’ secondary has shown vulnerabilities in the passing game, which could be a potential goldmine for Pickett and his receivers, George Pickens and Diontae Johnson.
The question remains: Can Pickett overcome his slow start trend and utilize this potential advantage? This clash could be a game-changer for Pickett and the Steelers, provided they can capitalize on the Titans’ weaknesses while mitigating their own. Thursday night’s showdown promises to be an intriguing battle of adaptation and strategy, with Pickett’s performance being a significant determinant of the outcome.
The Titans New Ace: Can Will Levis Repeat His Stellar Performance?
Making his NFL debut, Levis, the Titans’ rookie quarterback, has taken an unconventional yet thrilling approach to his game. Opting for high-risk, high-reward passes, Levis has already contributed three of the 10 longest touchdown passes this season by air distance, according to Next Gen Stats. Interestingly, two of these mammoth passes found their mark with DeAndre Hopkins, who seized the opportunity to notch his first three touchdowns of the year. Before Levis’s appearance, the Titans were lagging in deep scoring throws, but these spectacular passes have certainly shaken things up.
While this strategy has shown promise, it’s also a risky one. Levis’s performance in traditional quarterback roles was less impressive, with only two of his nine third-down passes successfully converted into first downs. This pattern suggests Levis’s style of play is more check-down-or-touchdown, which may not yield consistent results, especially against stronger defenses.
As Levis gears up to face the Steelers, who have players like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith that can quickly heat up the edges, he will need to diversify his tactics. Especially with the status of reliable offensive tackle Chris Hubbard questionable due to a concussion, Levis will need to do more than rely on deep passes to overcome the Steelers. The question is, can Levis broaden his horizons and maintain his stellar performance in his upcoming outing? Thursday night will reveal all.
Impact of Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Absence on the Steelers’ Defense
The absence of versatile safety for the Steelers is likely to expose a significant gap in their defensive strategy. Fitzpatrick’s ability to adapt to multiple roles in Pittsburgh’s three-safety alignment has been an asset, allowing him to contribute notably both near the line and in deep coverage. His absence could mean a greater completion percentage for the Titans, given that the Steelers’ defense performance dips noticeably without Fitzpatrick on the field, as evidenced by this season’s stats. It also provides an opportunity for Derrick Henry, the Titans’ running back, who has been showing excellent form.
The lack of Fitzpatrick’s potential pressure near the line could give Henry more opportunities for significant rushes. Additionally, the void left by Fitzpatrick might pave the way for tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, who has been off to a slow start this season, to get into rhythm. In essence, Fitzpatrick’s absence could be a game-changer, swinging the advantage in the Titans’ favor. Thursday night’s game will be a true test of the Steelers’ ability to adjust their strategies in the face of this significant setback.
Road Hurdles for Titans, Home Game Inconsistencies for Steelers
The Titans have had their fair share of struggles this season, particularly on the road. While technically they stand at 0-3, their actual road record sits at a disheartening 0-4, with a hard-fought loss to the Ravens in London, where the Titans were ironically designated the “home” team. The last time the Titans tasted victory on the road was over a year ago at Green Bay, a fact that they are keenly aware of as they head into this game. Their struggles have stemmed from a lack of consistent scoring, averaging just 18 points per game in these away fixtures, with five of their seven losses being by a single possession. This match offers them the chance to break this undesirable streak, but they must step up their scoring to make it a reality.
On the flip side, the Steelers have exhibited a pattern of inconsistency at home. Although they have had critical divisional victories over the Browns and Ravens, they have also suffered double-digit losses to the 49ers and Jaguars at Heinz Field. Their home record last year was a disappointing 4-4, marking the worst season at home under head coach Mike Tomlin. Like the Titans, the Steelers’ problem lies with scoring, having surpassed the 20-point mark only twice in their past 12 home games. This, combined with the Titans’ road woes, sets the stage for what could be a low-scoring affair. However, with both teams keen to rectify their issues, this game could potentially see a break from the norm.
Final Thoughts
As the Titans and Steelers prepare for Thursday night’s game, both teams face significant challenges. The Titans need to overcome their road game struggles, while the Steelers need to compensate for Fitzpatrick’s absence and improve home game performance. The outcome will hinge on their ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.
And who knows what the NFL Week 11 odds have in store for us in a few weeks? With these two teams facing off, anything is possible.
