Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is up-ended after catching the ball by Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) as inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) arrives during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers head into Monday night against the Tennessee Titans and will either charge or limp into their bye week. The team sits at 6-4 in an AFC North Division that is crowded with six win teams following Sunday’s contests. A win against the Titans would not put them at the top of the AFCN. That spot belongs to the Bengals after their win against the Saints and their tie from earlier in the season. A loss however, would put the Steelers at the bottom of the division and limping into their late bye week. As important as wins are in general in this league, each week becomes more crucial for our beloved Steelers.
Monday night means ESPN, which also means having to put up with a pregame show that includes Ray Lewis. I’ll be making sure that I check in right at kickoff and avoid all the jackassery that comes along with Monday Night Countdown. The boys in the booth, Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden, will undoubtedly discuss the return of former Titans head coach now Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak. Munchak led the Titans to a 22-26 record over three seasons from 2011-2013. The Steelers should play with more intensity than they did against the Jets – lord help us all if they don’t.