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 1. Kenny Pickett gave it his all and accomplished just enough. This season, Pickett has been a slow-burning quarterback who frequently struggles to establish a rhythm early before heating up towards the end. Against the Titans on Thursday night, things didn't quite work out that way. Although Pickett did lead a solid first-quarter touchdown drive, he and the passing game faltered for the most of the game until a touchdown in the fourth quarter turned out to be the game-winning play. On Thursday, Pickett's zero turnovers was his best stat. In the beginning, his accuracy was all over the place; he underthrew Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III and overthrew Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Although Pickens was unable to catch the pass inbounds for a potential touchdown, Pickett is not to blame for a pretty throw. Nor is there any doubt about his toughness. It was difficult to see Pickett starting four days after suffering a rib injury that forced him out of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Against the Titans, was he outstanding? Nope. Was it sufficient to get the Steelers up to 5-3? Yes, it was, and it fits perfectly with what we ought to have expected of him. 

2. In his second start, Will Levis looked good, but the Titans' chances are dashed by an INT. Even though Levis' play on Thursday night ended with a pick in the end zone in the closing seconds of a four-point victory, it wasn't particularly dishonorable. During the last drive, which was prolonged by a defensive hold, Levis avoided two potential interceptions (one of which was a clear drop by Steelers cornerback Darius Rush). However, Levis wouldn't get away with it the third time, as with 11 seconds remaining, he floated a ball into heavy traffic and into Kwon Alexander's arms for Levis' first NFL interception. Levis had a number of noteworthy moments earlier, primarily in the first half. He successfully threw off some awkward platforms and showed off his strong arm on several occasions, but he struggled to find DeAndre Hopkins in particular in the second half (no catches on four targets after halftime). Overall, Levis' night was uneventful, but it would be difficult to leave this game feeling dejected. He was hammered by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, and the highs were impressive. After all, rookie quarterbacks in Pittsburgh are now 1-13 against Mike Tomlin. 

3. Injury concerns plagued the Titans during the defeat. It seemed like a microcosm of the Titans' recent history of injuries, which has left them like snakebite victims. Of all the injuries, the most terrifying one was when wide receiver Treylon Burks went down on the sideline shortly before the fourth-quarter 2:00 warning. Giving the supporters a thumbs up as he left the field, Burks was loaded onto a backboard and carted off. When the game was over, he was alert and left the locker room by himself. Also heavily struck was Tennessee's offensive line. Right tackle Chris Hubbard was already down when he entered the game, and Nicholas Petit-Frere, who was playing in his place, was flagged twice before exiting the game with shoulder injury. For a few plays in the second quarter, rookie left guard Peter Skoronski was sidelined due to an injury. Andre Dillard, the left tackle, also missed a few after rolling up on his right leg. Throughout the entire game, Aaron Brewer was the only offensive lineman who started. Sean Murphy-Bunting (thumb) suffered a setback in the first quarter, which also affected the defense. 

4. The offense of the Steelers is still trying to find its real self. For the first time in his career, beleaguered Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada called plays Thursday night from the sideline. Surprise! Pittsburgh won the coin toss and won possession of the ball. Everything seemed perfect when the Steelers scored their first touchdown, 83 yards in 10 plays, and Canada was out there high-fiving his players. Since Week 15 of the previous season at Carolina, it was the Steelers' first touchdown on their first drive. There were moments when the run game really clicked, with six rushes of ten yards or more from Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris combined. Nevertheless, George Pickens finished with two catches for minus-1 yard after Kenny Pickett missed a few throws. Pickens cost them points with his two sloppy catches, one major drop, and his inability to put his feet down in the end zone. Positively, Diontae Johnson emerged from his lengthy touchdown slump (his first score in 668 days). The run game stepped up just in time with Pickett sidelined. Will the Steelers unexpectedly shift into a higher gear after this performance? Probably not, but even in situations where other dimensions aren't thriving, Warren's expanding role feels like it has added something. 

5. The Steelers' defense closes it out with enough late stops. Tennessee led the Steelers 13–10 at the half. The defense got off to a shaky start against Levis and the Titans, giving up 40 yards in penalties on the first field goal drive and allowing 73– and 57–yard scoring drives before the half. Levis was taken down by the Steelers with three sacks in the first half and was mostly floored, but he held his ground and refused to give up any points to the Minkah Fitzpatrick-less team. Derrick Henry began playing after linebacker Cole Holcomb left due to a knee injury, indicating that Holcomb's early departure had an impact. On the last drive, however, Pittsburgh would finally seize possession of the ball—one of three opportunities they had to knock off Levis. Elandon Roberts came in late and made a few clutch stops, but Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt set the tone with pressure. It probably didn't hurt that Cameron Heyward was back for the first time since Week 1. Although it wasn't the most elegant display of football, the Steelers managed to stop Tennessee on each of their three fourth-quarter drives when it mattered most. 

Thursday Night Football kicked off NFL Week 9 with the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) defeating the Tennessee Titans (3-5) at Acrisure Stadium.

After losing to Jacksonville in Week 8, Pittsburgh turned things around. Head coach Mike Tomlin stated he was going to leave the door "ajar" for quarterback Kenny Pickett to play on Thursday. Pickett was forced to leave last week's game due to a rib injury late in the second quarter, but he did receive the start.

Conversely, Tennessee defeated Atlanta by a slim margin in their Week 8 encounter. With Ryan Tannehill still out due to an ankle sprain, rookie quarterback Will Levis led the Titans once again following an impressive debut last week.