The NFL is Back

After seven months of an off-season that featured 11 coaching changes, a late start to the draft, a crybaby quarterback and his stubborn coach, holdouts, and the return of #4, the National Football League returns tomorrow night. The Super Bowl Champion Steelers host the team that held homefield advantage in the AFC last year, the Tennessee Titans. The two teams met in week 16 of 2008 with home field advantage throughout the playoffs on the line. In what was thought to be a closely contested game, the Titans had a field day, winning the game 31-14. Kerry Collins, cane and walker in hand, had arguably his best game of the season, completing 20 of 29 passes for 215 yards and a TD. Once Tennessee had secured the game, some Titans began disrespecting the Steelers sacred Terrible Towel.

Noteworty Titans who were making a mockery of the towel were defensive end Jevon Kearse(above) and former USC running back Lendale White. The Steelers have printed new towels this year picturing them stomping on the numbers of the Titans who were disrespecting the yellow coth. Clearly the act of disregard for the Steelers organiation has resonated in the Steelers minds.

My official prediction for the game is a Steelers 24-14 victory in a defensive struggle that will see at least one defensive TD. Although last year Kerry Collins had a fantastic game against Pittsburgh's tough D, that game was at LP Field in Nashville. It will be much tougher for Kerry (who is one year older) and the Titans to come into Heinz field and "steel" a game from the defending World Champions. Plus, since the Super Bowl champions began hosting the opening Thursday night game, they are an undefeated 5-0. So its time to kick back and enjoy some great football to start the season.

JG