Steelers' turnovers costly in 30-13 loss

Two interceptions and a safety were the difference against the Titans.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- For the second time in three weeks, the Steelers failed a major test against an AFC contender.
Despite early dominance that produced a 10-0 lead at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh fell apart Sunday by turning the ball over to the Tennessee Titans, allowing long, costly returns and lost 30-13.
Two interceptions plus a safety helped the Titans reverse what began as a surging tide of black and gold waves as Tennessee defeated the Steelers for the 10th time in their last 12 meetings.
"We moved the ball very well, we controlled the clock [and] made first downs," Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox said. "[But] when you give a good team 16 points and get beat by 17, that pretty much sums it up."
The Steelers (2-2) have two wins over AFC North Division opponents (Baltimore and Cincinnati) and two losses to conference contenders (Kansas City and Tennessee).
"Any time there is an interception, it is not a good thing," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "I still have confidence in Tommy Maddox and that has not wavered."
Turning point
Sunday's game began to turn following Tennessee's second punt, which was downed by Justin McCareins at the Pittsburgh 5.
Two plays later, linebacker Rocky Boiman sacked Maddox just inside the end zone for a safety, reducing the Steelers' lead to 10-2.
"I was just trying to get out of the end zone and I slipped," Maddox said.
The Titans' offense struck quickly after McCareins returned Josh Miller's free kick 22 yards to the Tennessee 45. On the next play, wide receiver Drew Bennett ran deep then pulled up to haul in quarterback Steve McNair's underthrown pass for a 42-yard gain to the Steelers 13.
Two plays later, Bennett caught a 7-yard touchdown for a 10-9 score.
With the help of two defensive penalties on Tennessee, the Steelers responded with a scoring drive, capped by Josh Reed's 23-yard field goal for a 13-9 lead.
The Steelers were poised to strike again after forcing the Titans to punt late in the half. But Samari Rolle picked off a Maddox pass and raced to the Steelers 1.
"I thought [wide receiver Plaxico Burress] was going to get inside of [Rolle]," Maddox said of his misfire.
Titans take lead
McNair then hit tight end Erron Kinney with a 1-yard scoring toss for a 16-13 Titans advantage at the half.
"We were up by four and we were thinking that was the worst-case scenario," Cowher said of turnaround. "The next thing, we are going back to the locker room down by three."
The Steelers opened the second half by forcing a Titans punt. Maddox hit Burress for a 38-yard gain to the Tennessee 12 that set up a 30-yard field goal attempt by Reed. Tank Williams broke through the Steelers line and deflected Reed's kick just enough to have it bounce off the crossbar.
Cowher was pleased with how the team came out fighting, but unhappy with the lack of points.
"We [had] good kick coverage, we stopped them on defense, we [moved] the ball with Plaxico Burress making a great catch, and we don't even come out of there with three," Cowher said.
The Titans responded with a nine-play, 80-yard scoring drive capped by McNair's third-down completion to McCareins for a 29-yard touchdown, beating cornerback Chad Scott's coverage for a 10-point lead.
With 12:38 to play, the Titans iced the game when Boiman stole a low throw intended for tight end Jay Riemersma and returned it 60 yards for the 30-13 lead.
"Believe it or not, I was actually just trying to do the smart thing and throw it away," Maddox said. "I was trying to throw it at Jay's feet, get rid of it and huddle up. [A defender] kind of tripped me up at the end and I threw it a little more inside than I wanted to. It was one of those days. Everybody played [well] -- I just wish I had three plays back."
williams@vindy.com