Five things to watch for Titans vs. Steelers
The starters are supposed to go longer on Saturday in Pittsburgh — all who will watch this third preseason game between the Titans and Steelers really, really hope so — which means a longer consideration of things to watch is warranted. After this, it’s Thursday’s fourth preseason game at Nissan Stadium between the Titans and Vikings, which like all fourth preseason games should be free of charge, and will feature little to no sight of the primary players on both teams. It’s the last chance for coaches to get an “under the lights” evaluation of the players who are on the bubble to make the 53-man roster.
And then it’s on to Miami for the Sept. 9 season opener and debut of Mike Vrabel as a head coach. Two weeks and a day from the dress rehearsal, the real thing. With that in mind, five things worth watching Saturday:
The Titans' first-team defense
It got beat over the top at Green Bay. It was handled up front with more ease than it should have been against Tampa Bay. It probably won’t have Malcolm Butler on the field Saturday (he has some kind of injury, no word on what kind of injury or on the timeline, don’t ask because Vrabel won’t tell), but this team has corner depth and its secondary needs more help from the pass rush. Even without Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh presents a hefty challenge. The Titans also haven’t had Brian Orakpo for most of camp and now Derrick Morgan is hurt, but that means more opportunities for Harold Landry to continue growing and sharpening his skills so he can be a factor when it counts.
What about Jayon Brown?
The second-year linebacker has to be the most polarizing player on the team right now. I’ve heard everything from gushing praise to condemnation from various media members about his play in the preseason. The fact is, he’s been good. And he’s been exposed at times.
The receivers
Taywan Taylor has made it clear he’s a different player from a year ago when he was a rookie who couldn’t find the field much. Corey Davis was mostly a blocker in his first career preseason game last week, and some passing game involvement would be nice to see in Pittsburgh. Tajae Sharpe is rounding into form and getting more first-team reps. Nick Williams and Darius Jennings are going to be hard to keep off this team, though they might be in for more of a run if Michael Campanaro (injury, undisclosed) weren’t hurt.
QB Blaine Gabbert
Gabbert has been underwhelming in two preseason games, with a few more ups than that in practices. But he’s essentially a guy with tons of arm talent and little consistency at this point.
Avoid the penalties
The numbers are brutal. It was 14 penalties for 124 yards at Green Bay. Then 11 for 134 yards against Tampa Bay. That’s a grand total of 25 for 258 yards in two games. That’s not going to cut it.
Contact Joe Rexrode at jrexrode@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @joerexrode.