Titans K Rob Bironas missed a 37-yard field goal and had a 31-yard attempt blocked along.
The Titans gave up 363 yards in the air, but their defensive line didn’t miss Albert Haynesworth against the run.
Said Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, “This couldn’t be more disappointing. But at the same time, we can take a lot of good things out of this.”
Chris Johnson and LenDale White combined to gain 85 yards on 23 carries, but the Titans only picked up two first downs on the ground.
Titans wide receivers had a mixed night, with big plays from rookie Kenny Britt and Justin Gage alongside mistakes and drops.
Steelers WR Santonio Holmes had nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, the exact same stat line he turned in during his Super Bowl MVP performance.
It looked like the Steelers had the game won in regulation before WR Hines Ward fumbled on the Titans 4-yard line with less than a minute remaining.
Steelers owner Dan Rooney returned from his post as Ambassador to Ireland to take in the opening game.
The Steelers put in a new “fast break” offense because they were worried about what Titans WR Nate Washington may have shared with his new team, and the move paid off on Thursday night.
Said Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, “I told coach I didn’t want to start this already, these fourth quarter comebacks. A win is a win. I struggled early, that’s just jitters and excitement. I’m just really proud of the way we all bounced back.”
