Titans’ defense shuts down the Steelers as game is scoreless after the first quarter

Steelers, Titans scoreless after 1st quarter

PITTSBURGH — The Tennessee Titans’ defense shut down the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the teams were in a scoreless tie through one quarter in the NFL’s opening night Thursday. Pittsburgh had 1 yard of offense through its first three possessions — two rushing and minus-1 passing — was 0 for 4 on third-down conversions and allowed Tennessee to sack Ben Roethlisberger twice.

Roethlisberger was intercepted by Vincent Fuller with 6 seconds left in the quarter.

Tennessee had 93 yards of offense.

The Titans moved the ball during two of their three full possessions but did not score.

Rob Bironas missed a 37-yard field goal and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu intercepted Kerry Collins late in the quarter.

During a play that originated at the Steelers 44, Polamalu made a one-handed interception of a Kerry Collins pass intended for wide receiver Kenny Britt at the 5.

Collins was 6 for 9 for 56 yards. The Titans got a 32-yard run from Chris Johnson but have managed only 5 yards rushing other than that.

The Steelers are starting their quest for their third Super Bowl title in the past five seasons and record seventh overall.

The Titans beat the Steelers 31-14 late last season and took the AFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs, but lost their first playoff game.

On their second possession, the Steelers drove to the Tennessee 22 but Jason Jones sacked a scrambling Roethlisberger for a 19-yard loss to move them out of field goal range.

Bironas missed his field goal attempt during the next possession.

Roethlisberger’s third completion was the 1,192th of his career, moving him into second place on the team’s career list ahead of Kordell Stewart. He also surpassed 15,000 yards passing.