I'm worried about our D stopping the Steelers offense and getting off the field. D didn't look good this preseason. Hopefully it's because they didn't want to tip their hand before the regular season starts. I think we can move the ball on offense, but we have to establish the run and win the time of possession. Texans have Slaton listed at 3rd on the depth chart for this game, behind Green and Taylor. I gotta think he'll get some playing time, though. I can't see Green making it through the first quarter without getting hurt.... This game reminds me of the Carolina game from last year. No one (including me) gave the Texans a chance, but they wiped the floor with them after going down 0-14 early.
I don't think there is anyway our defense effectively stops their offense. I can potentially see us stopping the run if our D-line plays inspired, but our pash rush has not been good in the preseason and our DBs are simply not good enough to cover semi-decent to good receivers for very long. Rothlesburger (yeah, I know it's not how it is spelled) takes care of the ball well and is pretty efficient passing, so even if we stop their run attack, he will pick us apart through the air. The only way I see the Texans winning this game is if our offense is as potent as it seemed during parts of the preseason and we just outscore them in a shootout. A timely turnover or two would help as well.
This game will come down to whether we can get an efficient pass rush. If we can't, then Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller and Limas Sweed will have their way with our secondary. If that happens, then the Steelers will get a comfortable lead (10-14 pts) and just pound the ball down our throats with Parker and Mendenhall. However, if the Texans can get a decent pass rush going, and maybe hit Big Ben a few times, he has the tendency to rush his throws, which would allow us to maybe force a turnover or two, and at least allow us to win the battle of possession time. If the Texans offense can stay on the field longer than the Steelers offense, I really like our chances in this game. But, if I had to choose right now which of the scenarios was more likely, it would definitely be the first one.
The Steelers will be trying to be the first team to win six consecutive season openers since the Miami Dolphins won 11 consecutive season openers from 1992 to 2002. We all know which team ended that streak. The Texans are 3-3 in season openers. For a team that has an overall record of 32-64 that's a pretty good record for week one games. The Texans are undefeated at Heinz Field with a record of 1-0. Their sole victory came in 2002. With those tidbits out of the way, I really think the Texans have an excellent chance of defeating the Steelers. The Steelers have one of the toughest schedules based on last year's opponent's records. They could very well overlook the Texans and be thinking ahead. If Pittsburgh has already chalked up a W, I feel the Texans will teach them a lesson just like they did against Dallas and Miami. Texans 29 Steelers 17 Btw, Gus Johnson and Randy Cross will call the game for CBS.
The key to the game is running the ball wide and keeping that dangerous d-line on their heels at all time. And the best way to stop their offence is to control the T.O.P. It's a new season, and I will just pretend Ahman green was holding out for a new contract, hope he does well. I'm still undecided on what i'm going to prepare for snacks. texabs 28 Steelers 20
Yep, I'm in Nacogdoches and my DVR says it's on our CBS station. You guys should have it too. ...(unless they show the titans I guess....it's sad they show their games)
I would love to see the Texans get a W on Sunday, but everyone on the sports radio in town has been talking about an upset over the steelers. Im worried the Texans cant stop the running game of steelers.
EFF the terrible towels. HOUSTON TEXANS 38 Pittsbooger Stealers 23 ¡VAMOS, TEXANS! HAYMAKERS!!!! BARRY SANDERS!!!! ^ oh, GOSH, please don't let it be GUS FREAKIN' Johnson...
I feel good about our defense up front against Parker, but dread pass-happy Ben against our secondary. Dunta can't get better fast enough. I think our offense will do decently - I really like our receiver corps in the hands of Schaub. Evan
Pitt- 21 Houston-17 This will be a game to show where the Texans need to be by the end of the year if they want a playoff spot. Dont get to depressed about this week cause when the Texans are 2-1 going into J-holeville to grab a hold of the wild card race all we will be screaming is "Bud, tell us how our a** tastes!" 10-6!
I think we need a spectacular special teams game to give us an edge over Steelers who I think has an overrated D. Steelers O is good but we dont know how the Texans will do... Thus I say a 27- 30 loss for the Texans
