Steelers vs. Titans: What they're saying in Tennessee after loss

They can’t be happy in Nashville Monday morning.

The Tennessee Titans controlled the time of possession against the Steelers, rushed for 201 yards and had 22 first downs. And they lost, 19-13.

Four turnovers played a major role.

Here’s what the sports writers are saying in Tennessee.

“The Titans somehow lost an important — and oh, so winnable — game at Heinz Field, where the Pittsburgh Steelers messed around in the cold for about three quarters before rallying for a 19-13 victory that’ll sting the Titans as their AFC South lead gets closer and the AFC’s No. 1 seed further away,” wrote Gentry Estes of the Nashville Tennesseean. “And they gave it away.

“This season’s crystal ball has been foggy since, oh, about Halloween. The Titans with and without Derrick Henry are two different outfits with much different ceilings. Any expectation for a playoff run hinges on the hope of No. 22 being in uniform again also with A.J. Brown.”

Writer Ben Arthur of the Tennesseean graded the offense: F.

“Turnovers, once again, were the story for the Titans offense. Two were thanks to quarterback Ryan Tannehill (23-of-32, 153 yards, INT), who was held without a touchdown pass for the second straight game. He had an interception and a lost fumble on a snap in 2:43 in the fourth quarter.”

Jimmy Morris of SB Nation credited the defense for hounding Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ nonexistent run game. He also ripped the Titans’ offense.

“Once again the Titans couldn’t protect the football. They turned the ball over four times - three fumbles and a tipped interception. Those three turnovers led to 12 points,” he wrote. “The defense played well all day. They kept Ben Roethlisberger uncomfortable all day long. On a day where a lot of things were ugly, the defense continued to be a bright spot. The pass rush with a healthy Bud Dupree is legit!”

Rematch in January?

Well, that’s probably up to the Steelers.