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1. This Defense Is REALLY, REALLY Good

Seven turnovers, including an impressive interception in the end zone by the best safety in football, Troy Polamalu, are evidence of that. Seven takeaways by one team just doesn’t happen. Teams are too careful with the ball after even the first turnover they commit.

They shut down the first running back to hit 2,000 yards since Jamal Lewis did it for the Ravens in 2003. The same running back who had a 12 consecutive 100 yard game streak going on at the time. The proud defensive unit led by Polamalu and fierce veteran linebackers James Farrior and James Harrison had only allowed one 100 yard rushing game in 35 straight games. Something had to give, and it was Chris Johnson and the Tennessee offense.

The running game wasn’t the only defensive presence felt, as the secondary played very well, as evidenced with Polamalu’s cat and mouse game with Vince Young.

Whereas the linebackers are on the course for another great season, Harrison registering two sacks, Lawrence Timmons forcing a key Chris Johnson fumble and LaMarr Woodley snagging an interception of his own – something he’s not particularly known for.

2. This Team NEEDS Ben Roethlisberger

They don’t need him to win, but they certainly need him to contend in the playoffs, should they reach that pinnacle once more. Dennis Dixon is certainly not the answer and not the trade bait many expected him to be. He’s essentially the Helen Keller of NFL quarterbacks, he can’t feel pressure, he has trouble hanging onto the ball and his release is by far one of the worst I’ve seen in a long time. He does have wheels on him, but athleticism only gets you so far in this league.

Charlie Batch has been a great backup for the Steelers for years, but it’s about time that he puts the pads up for good, and begins a career in coaching. He’s not bad, he’s just not…good. And behind the Pittsburgh offensive line, he’s just asking for trouble.

3. Releasing Justin Hartwig Was A Terrible Decision

This offensive line can’t have another starter go down. Or, at least that’s what everyone thought prior to seeing starting right guard Trai Essex writhing in pain on the ground on Sunday.

That’s three starters along the offensive line hurt – right tackle Willie Colon, left tackle Max Starks and Essex. Leaving newcomers Flozell Adams at right tackle and Jonathan Scott at left tackle. Add to that rookie center Maurkice Pouncey and the Steelers have one starter remaining from last year’s offensive line – left guard Chris Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu is a fine pulling guard and certainly an asset to the ground game, but he’s the Lone Ranger in there right now.

2. The Pittsburgh Offense Looks Better With A Fullback

Both tight end David Johnson and running back Isaac Redman lined up at fullback for the Steelers on Sunday, something Steelers fans haven’t seen too much of since Dan Kreider wasn’t re-signed.

To run a tradition Pittsburgh offense, a fullback is a necessity, the most successful running backs in the league today have a fantastic blocking fullback leading the way.

Maybe it’s nostalgia and maybe it’s foreshadowing what the Pittsburgh offense will look like in the months to come.

1. Rookies Are Showing Up To Play

Wide Receiver Antonio Brown returned a kickoff for a touchdown on his first NFL play and linebacker Stevenson Sylvester made three special teams tackles and displayed a Pittsburgh-linebacker-like attitude when bullied by a Tennessee Titan. Fellow linebacker Jason Worilds also finished the game with three tackles.

These guys came to play and the future looks bright thus far.

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