imported_Tyesko

I can't help but to think back to that game where we totally outplayed the texans and held them to like 50 yards or something on offense, but still lost. They had like 3 defensive touchdowns or something. But this is a much better team than before. If David Carr continues with his normal self, we should walk away with a win easily. Go Willie!

imported_Tyesko

Oh yeah, I'm on midnight turn so it actually is Tuesday morning for me. Did I say Go Willie!?

SteelerfanstuckinVa

Ugh.......who could forget that game.

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The Bitter Truth

The Texans are a team that wins games that they shouldn't win, that is really my only concern. We are better at every position I think, so it might be a real tall order for them to fill.

My main interest is twofold.

1 - See Willie Parker shred a much better defense.
2 - See Ben against a much better defense.

I'm pretty confident that we win this game. What I want to see is our offense remain what it was last week (or close to it) against a much better defense.

MaddoxMVP

What game is that? I have no idea what you're talking about?

Oh yeah, why is the Texans symbol on this thread when only Steeler fans have posted on it??? TBT can you change it?

As for the game, I'd like to see the D step up and play better, and see both Willie and Ben follow up this week with another big game to prove it was no fluke.

SDOGO

Why To Watch


On quarterback ratings alone, this game appears lopsided from the start. The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger -- who didn't score a touchdown in the preseason -- had an improbable rating of 158.3, while Houston's David Carr began the season at 12.1, the second-worst rating of his four-year career. ...

Houston is searching for a way to stay onside, while Pittsburgh's problem -- if you can call it that -- is whether to start halfback Willie Parker after he had 209 total yards in Week 1.

If the Texans don't solve their problems quickly, their playoff hopes will fade before the leaves fall from the trees.




Steelers Keys For Success

1. Use two-tight end packages. Playing with two tight ends would force outside linebackers Jason Babin and Antwan Peek onto the line of scrimmage, limiting their space to maneuver and pursue. Peek is light at 238 pounds and has problems against the power running game, a staple of the Steelers' scheme.

2. Use bunch formations against man coverage. Houston typically uses man coverage and sends a fifth defender to create pressure. A bunch look would give Roethlisberger a simpler read on short passes, and the Texans would be forced to scramble to keep up with crossing routes or switch to zone coverage.

3. Play tight end Heath Miller in the slot. Roethlisberger is scrambling to find a replacement for big receiver Plaxico Burress, who left in the offseason. Miller is 6-5 and athletic enough to adjust to a quarterback on the move. Putting him in the slot will force Houston to limit its outside blitz package.




Texans Keys For Success

1. Establish the run between the tackles. The most effective way to dominate the Steelers' 3-4 front is to seal off the inside linebackers -- the key to their run defense. Larry Foote and James Farrior have lateral quickness, but they can be exploited in straight-ahead run situations. Foote is slow to close to the line, which creates a bubble for the ball carrier to gain yardage. Farrior closes quickly, but if the Texans can get a blocker into his body, he'll get caught up in traffic and won't have a clean shot at the play.

2. Focus on the landmark key. If Steelers backs align more than seven yards deep, you can bet they're running. Any less, it's typically a pass play. The extra depth allows backs to find an opening on running downs. Cheating up allows them to pass block before the defender can reach full speed -- or gives them an extra step when they release into their patterns. Look for Houston to slant their front on running downs to take away cutback lanes and to play containment on passing downs.

3. Keep moving wide receiver Andre Johnson. Defenses must account for Johnson on every play, and many teams either roll their coverage to him or commit two defenders to neutralize him. The Texans have been playing Johnson at all three receiver positions and putting him in motion, effectively eliminating any pre-snap advantage for the defense. Expect to see Johnson in the slot when Houston goes to three wide receivers or in motion toward the slot, where he'll create a tandem look.




Injuries at a glance

Steelers injuries

9/10/05 Clark Haggans LB Groin Probable for Week 1
9/8/05 Duce Staley RB Knee Doubtful for Week 1
9/8/05 Joey Porter LB Knee Will play on limited basis in Week 1
9/6/05 Jerome Bettis RB Calf (right) Out for Week 1

Texans injuries

9/11/05 Mark Bruener TE Toe sprain Not expected to miss time
6/27/05 Bennie Joppru TE Knee (ACL tear) Out 6-9 months


The Bottom Line

The Texans might be able to run up the middle on Pittsburgh, but the Steelers have too much offensive firepower and will wear down Houston's defense. Look for Pittsburgh to pull away in the second half.

Pick: Steelers 28, Texans 13

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The Bitter Truth

"If Steelers backs align more than seven yards deep, you can bet they're running. Any less, it's typically a pass play."

If this is true its funny as hell ...

Aviator

Go Steelers!

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^Sig By 85D^

Jmat

That's a reminder I didn't need.

We've got some getting even to do!

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imported_Alex_DeLarge

We've already got revenge against a Titans team that has been beating on us for the past years, and now it's retribution against the Texans, the only team Bill Cowher hasent defeated, and the win we practically gave them last game, payback is sweet

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All Credit goes to Predator