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Nashville is currently getting worked over the Titans’ first team offense looking pretty sloppy against the Steelers—who defeated Tennessee 16-6—last night, and yeah it was bad. Again, though, it’s still preseason, and none of this will matter unless it happens in the regular season. Preseason exists so players can get back in a groove and shake off the rust, not play like superstars every game.
With that said, the first team offensive line struggled. In particular, Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt played dominant against Tennessee, racking up the pressures on Marcus Mariota and sacking him once. Entering his fifth season in the league, Tuitt is only 25 years old, which means he has yet to reach his ceiling while also being a stud young pass rusher.
Keeping this in mind, let’s look at what exactly Tuitt had Tennessee’s number last night.
This isn’t even close. We knew going into the season that the Titans had issues at the guard spots, and right guard Josh Kline gets bulldozed by Tuitt on the offense’s very first play. He also makes mince meat out of Derrick Henry, also blocking on the play, as he nearly sacks Mariota. The quarterback was able to get the ball to Tajae Sharpe, though.
Derrick Henry once again is assigned to block Tuitt, but this time he’s all alone. Henry’s blocking on this play is pretty bad, so much so that it almost looks like a mismatch. Tuitt pushes Henry aside and brings Mariota down as a result.
Lastly, Henry is not blocking Tuitt here. Instead, it’s the left tackle Taylor Lewan. Like the others that came before him, Lewan gets owned by Tuitt, who counters Lewan’s hands with his own and executes the Dwayne Freeney/Everson Griffen-esque spin move for great results. He’s able to apply pressure on Mariota, who gets the ball out, but way too high for Corey Davis.
Stephon Tuitt should be a massive piece for the Steelers’ defensive line this season. He’s a powerful, athletic pass rusher that’s only getting better here on out. Meanwhile, the Titans’ offensive line clearly has work to do. Though, then again, it is the preseason.