Despite a late fumble by Hines Ward, the Steelers with dominating Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes won 13-10 tonight against the Titans for their season opener.

Ben Roethlisberger’s numbers were huge – delivering 33 of 43 passes and 363 yards. But despite the opening score by Santonio Holmes just seconds before the halftime, the game took a turn when Hines Ward fumbled on the Titan’s 4 yard line, less than 1 minute left in the 4th quarter.

Hines said the team didn’t worry and just turned their focus on O.T. Ward said after the game:

“The guys said don’t worry about it, just make it up in overtime. I just wanted to go out and redeem myself.”

Hines Ward remains arguably the best wide receiver in the game. ESPN’s Merril Hoge recently told the AJC that nobody comes close in the NFL today:

“There’s nobody even close — he’s 1 and 1A.

“You can argue that he blocks better than most running backs and fullbacks. Ward is one of the best hitters in the league — period. He never shies away from anyone. He’ll block a guy head-on, sideways, doesn’t matter. The Cardinals’ Anquan Boldin is a physical blocker, but he is not close to being able to strike like Ward.

“What Ward has is a gift. He has the desire to block, first and foremost. But he also has nastiness, leverage, technique. His timing is unique. He has a stunning jab — a quick strike. When he blocks, he goes up and through you.”

Tonight Ward delivered 8 receptions and 103 yards.