This is going to be a tough spot for the Steelers, heading into Houston for a game against the Texans coming off a loss against New Orleans.
I think the Steelers will settle down with the turnovers. They're not a team that's going to turn the ball over three-plus times in every road game.
The Steelers actually match up with the Texans pretty well. Yes, Mario Williams is going to be a problem. But he's more of a power rusher. Trai Essex may be able to hold his own there - as long as the Steelers can stay balanced.
The Texans also have some issues of their own, as last week's 1-5 effort in the red zone against the Saints. They're also allowing 4.8 yards per rushing attempt and 12.5 yards per pass reception.
Arian Foster is expected to be back and see a full workload for the Texans.
Jonathan Scott, Doug Legursky and Brett Keisel are out for the Steelers.
Look for Pittsburgh to keep things close, but lose, 27-23.
the fact the texan's are allowing 4.8 yards per rush doesn't mean anything. the colt's run D stunk too but were able to shut down the steeler's running game.
ReplyDeletewith foster back the steeler's D will be forced to stack the box. look for daniels to have a big game and i think johnson is too good for ike to shutdown.
the steeler's offense will go as the O-line goes, which will be nowhere. a couple splash plays and maybe a score off a turnover. the steeler's won't put up more than 17 pts.
31-17 as the texans dominate time of possession and open the game up in the fourth quarter.
Dale,
ReplyDeleteWith Harrison's legs not being as strong as in the past, why doesn't he try a different technique than trying to bull rush then dipping around. Maybe still keep what he's been using 50% of the time and the other 50% trying a spin move to the inside or outside? It's just a question.....
Zeke
With everyone picking against us, I'm going to go ahead and pick Steelers, 24-17. We will force at least one turnover, and Antonio Brown will set us up with great field position on kick returns all game.
ReplyDeleteAgree with the above. Everyone's doubting the steelers, they play better that way
ReplyDeleteI don't think they'll right the ship all the way on sunday, but will make a progress. A hard fought game till the end is what I'm expecting. Dunno about the result really, but either 3-1 or 2-2 with the team looking more like the pre-superbowl week team would be a welcome sight
Box score from last meeting in 2008.
ReplyDeletehttp://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=280907023
Texans 31-24 Steelers. Steelers score late but to no avail. Party was started early. Look for a similar plan that was used against Indy. Roll the running game, and then hit Andre wide open.
ReplyDeleteI agree Dale, I hope they can keep the turnovers to a minimum, and keep and extra back/TE to block to kick start the run game, cause of the beleaguered O Line, and the Steelers should be just fine. From the sounds of stuff being said in the media, I think the Steelers may have been looking ahead to this game, but we shall find out soon enough!!
ReplyDeleteThat being said, this game should fall on the D's shoulders.....
Different style of run defense. The Steelers should be able to handle a bad 3-4 run defense much better.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Harrison, at this point in his career, his rush moves are what they are. And his strength is coming back well now.
If this game were in Pittsburgh or the postseason, I'd pick the Steelers. I really think the Texans will win the South, but will be one-and-done in the playoffs. Too little experience.
When everyone expects the Steelers to win, they struggle. When everyone expects the Steelers to lose, they play really well. Everyone expects the Steelers to lose this game, therefore they will win. Book it!
ReplyDeleteIf Ben takes what the defense gives him,uses his check downs better, makes sure everyone knows the play called and Mendy is done dancing.
ReplyDeleteOther wise Redman/Moore get more carries .
Bad OL or not Steelers 28 - Texans 24.
Hopefully these things have been brought to their attention by Tomlin and the disfunctions of the last game will disappear for this game.
Saw the Steelers are -9 in turnovers. How the hell are they 2-1?
ReplyDeletethey played Seattle and Indy
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think this game is going to be a lot closer than the prognosticators give the Steelers credit for. This team certainly has its flaws (every team does) but I have a feeling Ben is going to atone for his sloppy play thus far and the Defense will show up.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say, I'm a fan. I'm allowed to think with my heart instead of my head!
The Steelers will be in this game. Houston's offense is probably a hair below GB, NE, and NO in terms of an offense capable of picking apart the Steelers D and they are going to score 27 points or so. Ike Taylor will probably do a fine job on Andre Johnson but that guy is going to get his catches.
ReplyDeleteThe question is really whether the Steelers O is going to gameplan around their terrible o-line or we are going to see the same sloppy playcalling and execution as the previous week.
My guess is they adjust, Ben doesn't turn the ball over besides maybe one pick, but they come up a FG short.
Houston 27 Steelers 24 in a fun one.
I think the OL will be better. Not up to the standards of an average NFL OL but better. I like Foster better than Legursky, he's bigger and stronger if way less athletic. Thing is, in the Steelers scheme the RG doesn't have to be athletic, hell the LG is Kemo. And Essex is no worse than Scott, if anything he's got better feet. It won't be pretty and Ben will still take shots and the run blocking will be bad but it won't be like last week.
ReplyDeleteShould I point out both Houston's wins are against Indy and Miami, two winless teams?
ReplyDelete^
ReplyDeletereally can't look at things that way this early in a season. We have only beaten the seahawks that beat the 49ers, and the winless colts last week
Steelers win in a blowout. 27-3
ReplyDelete