The Pittsburgh Steelers streak of winning must win games came to an end on Sunday as the Tennessee Titans beat the Steelers 31-14 in Nashville. The Titans defense forced 4 turnovers without the help of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The Titans offense also moved the ball against the Steelers number one defense and did not turn the ball over. The Steeler defense as a whole seemed very lackadaisical all day only showing glimpses at times and the Steeler offense continued to struggle running the ball once again. The win by the Titans assures them home field advantage throughout the playoffs and now the Steelers matchup next week versus the Cleveland Browns at home is a meaningless game.
The Steeler offense had two crucial mistakes on offense as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger fumbled in the red zone on a third down scramble and kicker Jeff Reed missed a 33 yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Roethlisberger was 26 for 40 passing for 331 yards but turned the ball over 4 times. Hines Ward led the Steeler receiving core with 7 catches for 109 yards and running backs Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore combined for only 57 yards rushing.
The Steeler defense surrendered 300 yards offense for the first time all season. The lone bright spot on defense was linebacker James Harrison\’s 16th sack of the season, setting a new Steeler single season record for sacks.
The Steelers move on to face the Browns next week at home before getting a first round bye for the playoffs.
