Houston Texans Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: What To Look For

The Houston Texans are rested and are poised to take down their next opponent this Monday — the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They’re just fresh off a grueling schedule that involved them playing two games with only four days separation between them.

The efforts were strong in both but there just wasn’t enough execution to become the victor out of those two games against the Dallas Cowboys and the Indianapolis Colts.

The plays weren’t made when they were needed — the opposing did what they needed to do to win.

But it’s a new week, a renewed start with a hopefully a different mindset in terms of a successful strategy.

It won’t be easy to win in the confines of Heinz Field with those Terrible Towels in tow but it can be done.

It’s also important to note that the Steelers have not lost a Monday Night Football game at home since 1991 — a 23-year streak and counting.

Let’s hope the Texans can buck that trend.

Without further adieu, here’s some things to look for position-wise Monday as both teams take the field:

Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger

(7) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK: All in all, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid performance out on the football field last Thursday. Outside of the late-game fumble he had on a last-chance drive to win the game against the Colts, he was quite efficient. He did what he normally does — short, effective passes with the occasional deep ball and using his legs to get the first down if nothing is there. Fitz went 15-for-23 for 212 yards with one touchdown for a 109.3 QB rating. He also had five rushing yards to his credit off one carry — for the record, it was good for a first down! The Steelers are ranked 10th in the pass rush and this may be the largest challenge of the season for Fitz to make things happen. It will probably be a long night for him. They currently yield about 226 yards per game. Ben Roethlisberger is still trucking after 11 seasons in the league — he’s off to a terrific start. He has passed for nearly 1,600 yards through six games and his completion rate is at 65 percent which is up from previous seasons. He still does what he does best — using his arm by doing his damage in the pocket and deftly moving around if protection breaks down. His large frame enables him to do that and it makes defenses tough to take him down. His rushing yards are down but that’s because their running game is a lot better than it has been in years. There’s no need for Big Ben to run now because he has two guys that are fully capable of the hand-offs now. I wouldn’t expect him to do anything less against the Texans.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back

Arian Foster

(23) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK: I didn’t think it would happen but Arian Foster rushed for another game with stats over the century mark. I thought that it’d be difficult for him to punch through but he had no problem against the Colts who are actually quite good at run defense. He had 109 yards rushing off 20 carries averaging 5.5 yards per carry and two touchdowns. He also caught three balls for 32 yards. Simply amazing. With that being said, I don’t think anybody can stop Foster and that includes the Steelers. He will find a way to bust through — let’s hope the offensive line can create some holes for him. His performance will definitely carry weight on whether or not the Texans will win this game. Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount have been sensational for the Steelers, providing a one-two punch on the ground that is hard to stop. Big Ben doesn’t have to worry about getting banged up from running the ball this season as he has done most of his damage behind the protection of his pocket. The Steelers are ranked 5th in the league in rushing yards averaging 137 per game. Yes, these Steelers are back to running again just like the days Jerome Bettis was there and doing it quite well. Keep an eye on those two running backs — hopefully, the Front 7 can put a stop to their antics. The Texans are currently ranked 21st in rushing yards allowing 126 per game.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver

Andre Johnson

(80) is tackled after a reception by Indianapolis Colts cornerback

Vontae Davis

(21) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVER: Andre Johnson had a solid game as well and as similar to Fitz had he not fumbled, the game would’ve been picture-perfect for him. He also surpassed 13,000 career yards for his career in that game — quite a milestone for an exceptional and future Hall of Famer wide out. Johnson hauled in seven balls for 99 yards with one touchdown, his first of the season. I have been disappointed that the offensive schemes have not used DeAndre Hopkins who is just as dangerous as Andre Johnson. They must go to Hopkins because he can haul it in from just about anywhere. Besides, he’s due for a good game and should get some looks. Both Andre and Damaris as well should be healthy contributors even if it’s just off short gains. The Steelers are quite good with their pass rush so we will have to see. And Antonio Brown. He is having another team MVP-caliber type season. This wide out is definitely one to watch out for because the collateral damage this guy can create may be more than the Texans can bear if he gets going early. He is second only to Jordy Nelson in receiving yards so far this season, catching 41 passes for 629 yards averaging 15.3 yards per carry. Wow! They’ve got to cover him well or it will be glorified game of duck-duck goose chasing him around the field all night.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker

Justin Tuggle

(57) runs with the ball after making an interception on a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver

Reggie Wayne

(87) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSE (FRONT 7 & SECONDARY): An all-out effort is needed from this unit in the worst of ways. Facing this Steelers offense will be their second-toughest test this season outside of the Dallas Cowboys. They don’t score a lot of points but slowly chip away their opponent’s defenses. The same weapons are there and they must not be careful to not let their past mistakes with coverage seep over to this week as well. You know Steelers have game-planned for it and are ready to pounce on the Texans’ weaknesses. Big Ben’s protection has been a bit better this year so J.J. Watt may have a challenge in getting to him but it can be done. Roethlisberger is also not the easiest person to take down either so if he does get him down, it’s going to look incredible! As previously mentioned, the Texans are at the bottom of the barrel in terms of yards given up on the ground and in the air. They need to continue to cognizant of where the ball is to make plays and key stops when they’re needed so they can keep the ball out of their hands as long as possible. Johnathan Joseph, Brian Cushing, Kendrick Lewis, Kareem Jackson and D.J. Swearinger are the top tacklers for this season and I wouldn’t expect anything less out of this bunch. Watt leads the team with four sacks. Justin Tuggle had a nice game last week against the Colts with nine tackles, five assists and one interception.

Corner back Ike Taylor and Steve McLendon have been ruled out for Monday with injuries so Cam Thomas and Brice McCain, former long-time Texan, will be up to take their spots. McCain has two tackles and one pick on the season so far. I don’t expect him to do all that much as he did when he was here in Houston. With Thomas starting at nose tackle, the team has given up six yards per carry and has been quite the whipping boy for Steelers fans especially in last week’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. On the other hand, McLendon’s presence allowed the team to give up just a little over four yards per carry. These are big pieces to their defensive schemes and the Texans have to take advantage of those two guys being out. Thomas played quite bad last week against the Browns so Daniel McCullers may have to suit up. Although I don’t know what his impact will be, keep an eye on Troy Polamalu. He doesn’t seem to be the same explosive player he once was but you never know when he’s due for a good game. I hope it’s not against us.

Let’s go Texans’ defense — you can do it!