The Steelers offense, a big question mark in the preseason, scored on every possession in the first three quarters as they steam-rolled the Tennessee Titans, 34-7. Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had a quarterback rating of 32.8 in a preseason game against Carolina, graded out as a near perfect 158.3 today as he completed 9 of 11 passes for 218 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He threw two passes to tight ends, including a 3-yard strike to Heath Miller for the rookie's first NFL touchdown.
Roethlisberger also connected with receiver Antwaan Randle El on a 63-yard touchdown strike, a career high for both players.
A fan might also have to wonder about the college coaches who didn't start Willie Parker.
Willie Parker, the third string running back at the beginning of preseason, rushed 22 times for 161 yards, caught a pass for another 48 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown.
Reserve running back Verron Haynes helped eat up clock as the Steelers switched to ball-control offense to eat up the clock in the second half. He was rewarded with a 5-yard touchdown run off right tackle near the end of the third quarter.
The defense forced four Titans turnovers.