Sunday’s “X-Factor” – Who Will It Be In The Steelers-Titans Battle?

Every game someone that you don’t expect (or maybe you do) seems to step up and play a role bigger than you thought entering that game.

Today on SteelersGab, with 48 until the two teams do battle, we take a look at a couple players that could step up on either side and play a bigger role than expected in the regular season opener.

1. Antonio Brown Steelers WR – Brown will be the go to guy for Ben Roethlisberger, and with Heath Miller likely out or playing just a minor role, Brown gets the nod as the main guy in the Steelers passing attack. He had a decent preseason, but all eyes will look to Brown as THEE guy in the passing game for the Steelers, and it’s time he earns his keep with a big ‘splash’ play or two.

2. Kenny Britt Titans WR – Britt is ready either to be a star, or be a bust in the NFL. Sunday could be his final opening day with Tennessee, as he is in the final year of his contract. The Titans have been patient with him, and they hope he can finally fulfill his first-round potential. That could start with some big downfield plays vs the Steelers Sunday.

3. Jurrell Casey Titans DT – Casey had a very good preseason for the Titans, and could be their breakout player in 2013. He will play a big part in trying to stop the Steelers run game on the right side, as well as putting pressure on Big Ben. Casey could be a player whose name you hear a number of times on Sunday.

4. Troy Polamalu Steelers Safety – He flew around like his season of being the best defensive player in the game, and Sunday Polamalu will look to lay the boom on Jake Locker and the Titans defense. Back from injury and looking like the old Troy, don’t be shocked if he has a couple of tackles, maybe a pick, and even maybe a sack in the game of Locker.