Good day ladies and gents. It is finally here. I can't contain myself... I'm so full of glee... the 2009 NFL season has arrived... and it all starts with the Titans vs Steelers. Who ya wit?!

Tonight is the season opener, and it has a LOT on the line already. Last year, Tennessee routed the SB Champs in Tenn, 31-14. And to make matters worse. Titans RB LenDale White, Keith Bulluck and Co stomped on a terrible towel, which created pandemonium amongst Steeler Nation.


Well the rematch of the season starts today. Tennessee travels to Pittsburgh as the Steelers look to show the Titans why they are reigning champs. Will Collins and Co. repeat what happened last year, or do the Steelers finally get revenge in their house? Here are some things to look for:

Titans

Offensive Line- Last year, the Titans had one of the best offensive lines in the league, allowing a league low 8 sacks. Chris Johnson is a great RB, but that's in large part to the O-line being in sync and allowing him to run through the A gaps to do what he does. I tell everyone, the way you beat Pittsburgh is to contain their blitz, and the Titans did just that last year, a huge part to their win. Will they be as dominant as last year? We shall see

Running Backs- Smash and Dash are ready to run, run and run some more. This isn't a passing team, and the Steelers know it. But Chris Johnson is an elusive back that can make defenders come out of their cleats trying to tackle him. While White is a better up/downhill runner, his size allows him to plow through guys to get 6 points. He better watch out, though . Mr. White made some direct comments last week and I'm sure the Steelers have something in store for Mr. Smash

Defense minus Haynesworth- I don't think this changes much. Haynesworth didn't play the last time these two teams played to begin with. If Kyle Vanden Bosch can come back to his old form before injury, then the D line can pick up where they left off. The secondary is one of the best in the league, with Cortland Finnegan, as fiery as his hair is red, and the rest of the secondary cast. While they did lose DC Jim Schwartz to Detroit, they still have enough talent on D. And did I forget to mention Keith Bulluck?! They will continue to be a Top 10 defense


Steelers

Offensive Line- Same group to watch like Tennessee, but for the opposite reason. In 2008 this group was awful, allowing Big Ben to get sacked 46 times, second worst in the league. The Steelers didn't address the O line much this offseason, which is a big concern. Ben needs to stay healthy and he needs to do that with an offensive line that will allow him more time to throw and less time on the ground . While no one can take away the fact that Ben is one of the most improvised QBs in the league, his health is more important. How will Ben survive behind that line in 2009? We start finding out tonight.

Running Game- This starts with the offensive line. The Steelers are usually known as a run first, pass later team, but Pittsburgh ranked 23rd in rushing in 2008. Can Parker and Mendenhall allow the Steelers to go back to their days as a smashmouth team on offense?! I say no, due to so many holes on the offensive line and lack of power at the position (i.e., not Jerome Bettis type back). The good thing is, the Steelers have a good receiving core in Ward, Holmes and Miller to make up for it.

Defense- The Steelers made no real changes to their personnel this season, and with the addition of Ziggy Hood, they've pretty much upgraded their defense based on all of the good things I've heard about Hood. I expect the same thing we see every year.... pressure, pressure, pressure and 4th downs. Did you expect anything else?! You'd be a fool if you did.

So What Does The NFL Chick Thinks Will Happen-

This game will be close. Both teams are built for a brutal battle. But the intangible is this... the Steelers are at home. I'm sure they'll have some type of ceremony because they are the champs, so the momentum will go their way. I don't expect much rushing from the Steelers. In fact, I don't expect a pretty outing from this game at all. But I do expect a couple of good plays to keep a drive going. It'll be close, and maybe decided in the final minutes in the 4th qtr. But in the end, the Steelers will have the energy from the crowd and the city behind them.

Steelers 17 Titans 13

Excuse me... I must go puke now.

Thank God for football!