Once again, it was a tale of two halves for the Steelers, as they rebounded from a slow start and dominated the Texans for the last 30 minutes of the game. The Steelers ran 75 plays to the Texans 47 plays, beat them in time of possession 36:51 to 23:09 and out gained them by 127 yards. They also had no turnovers for the first time in the last two seasons
The Steelers coaching staff made several important adjustments during the game. After getting torched in the first half by DeShaun Watson for 200+ yards, Keith Butler figured out the right combination of blitzes and coverages to shut out the Texans in the second half. Watson was never able to find his rhythm again and he was harassed all day. Mike Tomlin kept everyone focused and never panicked as the Steelers fell behind early. It was a great effort and it looked like Tomlin was finally going to win a challenge, he didn’t, the Steelers clearly got jobbed on a ball spot, for a first down. Even Gene Steratore agreed with Tomlin.
The defense looked dominant again up front and David Johnson had no room to run. He finished with 23 yards on 13 carries. Tyson Alualu set the point of attack and had an outstanding game, Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward have done a tremendous job working together and setting the tone up front. Tuitt put a thumping on Deshaun Watson.
The linebackers had a big game as well, particularly after a mediocre first half. T.J. Watt shined in the spotlight. He played within himself and was able to take what he needed in big moments, including the hit which setup Mike Hilton’s interception. The pressure on Watt was huge and he delivered in a big way. He finished with four tackles and one sack. Vince Williams put together a complete effort, even contributing in coverage. Bud Dupree continues his ascent as one of the best linebackers in football.
The offense is still a work in progress and Ben Roethlisberger still looks rusty. That being written, when they needed to make plays they did. The offensive line decimated Houston as the game went on. Chuks Okarofor handled J.J. Watt all day, the elder Watt recorded four tackles and never sniffed Roethlisberger in the pass rush. James Conner’s resurrection looks to be progressing nicely. He rushed for 109 yards and iced the game in the fourth quarter gaining massive chunks of yards.
Special teams again contributed nicely. The coverage units were spot on and held Houston in check all day. Little Bos banged out two field goals and Ray-Ray McCloud looks like a huge find.
It was the best performance for the Steelers of the season so far.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Going with T.J. Watt, he dominated the “Watt Bowl” and really stepped up in the second half. Also Considered; Chuks Okorafor who nearly shut out J.J. Watt in a game that garnered national attention, James Conner who imposed his will in the second half, and Keith Butler who made the adjustments to shut out the Texans in the second half.
Where I watched the game: We got up at 6:30AM and caught a ferry back from Connecticut so we could watch at the house with Dante. KGB made Buffalo Chicken Pastries, again the snacks proved timely and they were outrageous! The beer of choice was Montauk Pumpkin Ale. Stayed in the pumpkin theme and the beer was okay, KGB made her Cinnamon Sugar Ring
My Stat of the week: 221st Regular season game, the most in Franchise history, he has had his ups and downs off the field, he gives the Steelers a chance to win every game and is the face of the franchise. I actually was trying to think about it and I believe except for his first game when he relieved Tommy Maddox, I think I have seen EVERY game that Ben has played! Also want to say a prayer for Mike Webster, who Ben passed. Iron Mike deserved a better fate, say a prayer for his family and for him!
My Thoughts on next week: (EDITORS NOTE) The Steelers- Titans game was moved due to Covid-19.
This week’s Jersey: Heath Miller, #83 Black Out, was thinking about the Steelers TE situation and both stepped up in different ways this week. One of my favorite Steelers of all time.