Steelers beat Titans in overtime, 13-10
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Steelers cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend celebrate after blocking a field goal attempt by the Titans' in the second quarter tonight at Heinz Field.
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The Steelers' offense went from Super Bowl hangover to Super Bowl repeat all in one game last night as Ben Roethlisberger and company overcame early lethargy to beat the Tennessee Titans in overtime at Heinz Field.
The 13-10 victory in the NFL opener was delivered on the first drive of overtime, after the Steelers won the coin toss. Jeff Reed kicked a 33-yard field goal with 10:28 left.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had a rickety first half, responded with a big second half and overtime. He completed five of seven passes on the winning drive, including a 22-yarder to rookie Mike Wallace at the Titans' 15 that set up Reed's winner.
It was the 18th regular-season comeback victory for Roethlisberger in a final period, and the seventh time Reed has won with a late kick.
On a night in which the Steelers managed only 36 yards rushing, Big Ben rose large. He completed 33 of 43 passes for 363 yards and had two receivers over 100.
Santonio Holmes caught nine passes for 131 yards and Hines Ward had eight for 103.
The victory did not come without cost, however. Of another concern to the Steelers is a left knee injury to Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu. He left the game for good late in the second half after his knee was injured during a blocked Tennessee field goal.
There was no immediate word on the seriousness of the injury.
The Steelers were poised to win the game in the final minute of regulation when Roethlisberger completed a 30-yard pass to Ward at the Titans' four with the score tied. But as Ward, in typical fashion, fought for more yards, safety Michael Griffin stripped the ball out of his hands and linebacker Stephen Tullock recovered with 51 seconds left.
First Published September 10, 2009 9:37 pm
