AirForce1
07-23-2008, 07:08 PM
I know that this has been touched on but i'm curious to see as to what you guys all think about this matchup... Here's my analysis.
Key Matchups:
Steelers Receivers vs. Texans Secondary
The Steelers receiving corps has been highly underrated and forgotten almost in the midst of Steeler's history of pounding out yardage on the ground. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and now Limas Sweed are going to be a lethal combination this whole season. Holmes and Sweed can stretch the field as well as Ward taking the short passes and the slants on the inside. (Much like Texans receivers the Andre's and Kevin Walter) Depending on where they line up I see Fred Bennett shutting down Hines Ward for the most part but I still see 5 catches and 60+ yards for Ward. Sweed still has to get acclimated to the NFL speed of play so I see a nickel back or Reeves handling him easily. If Reeves has trouble holding down Holmes before he can get safety help from Brown and Demps this could be trouble though. Overall I think that the Steelers have slight advantage in this category but I have faith in Ray Rhodes system
Texans Running Backs vs. Steelers Front 7
I see this being a real battle for the Texans. The Steelers are far from the Steel Curtain they had before but they are a solid defense. Much like the Jaguars. This will be the first real test of the ZBS for our linemen. If we can control the clock and run the ball moderately well that sets up bootlegs and play action plays that our team always runs so well. Ahman Green and Chris Brown need to run for a solid 150 yards minimum with key third down conversions courtesy of Steve Slaton to not only keep the clock running but to keep our defense off the field. If we run anything like we did when we beat the Colts then we own this game.
Texans Special Teams vs. Steelers Special Teams
I know this may seem like kind of a stretch but our special teams really needs to make some big plays for us here. If our defense stays fresh we can cause some extra punts by the Steelers offense and create opportunities for JJ to show what he's all about. As sad as I am to say it I don't want AD to be getting too many kick returns because that means the Steelers are scoring. But for how many kick returns he gets we need some good field position and hopefully a touchdown. As it was said last year AD did really well against really good coverage teams (Bucs and Jags had some of the top special teams in the league last year) The Texans coverage team is very solid and didn't give up a touchdown on a return last year.
Game Analysis:
Texans must control the clock keep the defense off the field and set up play action and bootlegs with a strong running presence. The defense front 4 need to step up their game big time again Big Ben because he has good pocket movement and a strong arm. 2 sacks and 6 pressures/hits would be an ideal amount. At least get him scared like Brady was in the Superbowl last year. Texans win this game 24-17
Key Matchups:
Steelers Receivers vs. Texans Secondary
The Steelers receiving corps has been highly underrated and forgotten almost in the midst of Steeler's history of pounding out yardage on the ground. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and now Limas Sweed are going to be a lethal combination this whole season. Holmes and Sweed can stretch the field as well as Ward taking the short passes and the slants on the inside. (Much like Texans receivers the Andre's and Kevin Walter) Depending on where they line up I see Fred Bennett shutting down Hines Ward for the most part but I still see 5 catches and 60+ yards for Ward. Sweed still has to get acclimated to the NFL speed of play so I see a nickel back or Reeves handling him easily. If Reeves has trouble holding down Holmes before he can get safety help from Brown and Demps this could be trouble though. Overall I think that the Steelers have slight advantage in this category but I have faith in Ray Rhodes system
Texans Running Backs vs. Steelers Front 7
I see this being a real battle for the Texans. The Steelers are far from the Steel Curtain they had before but they are a solid defense. Much like the Jaguars. This will be the first real test of the ZBS for our linemen. If we can control the clock and run the ball moderately well that sets up bootlegs and play action plays that our team always runs so well. Ahman Green and Chris Brown need to run for a solid 150 yards minimum with key third down conversions courtesy of Steve Slaton to not only keep the clock running but to keep our defense off the field. If we run anything like we did when we beat the Colts then we own this game.
Texans Special Teams vs. Steelers Special Teams
I know this may seem like kind of a stretch but our special teams really needs to make some big plays for us here. If our defense stays fresh we can cause some extra punts by the Steelers offense and create opportunities for JJ to show what he's all about. As sad as I am to say it I don't want AD to be getting too many kick returns because that means the Steelers are scoring. But for how many kick returns he gets we need some good field position and hopefully a touchdown. As it was said last year AD did really well against really good coverage teams (Bucs and Jags had some of the top special teams in the league last year) The Texans coverage team is very solid and didn't give up a touchdown on a return last year.
Game Analysis:
Texans must control the clock keep the defense off the field and set up play action and bootlegs with a strong running presence. The defense front 4 need to step up their game big time again Big Ben because he has good pocket movement and a strong arm. 2 sacks and 6 pressures/hits would be an ideal amount. At least get him scared like Brady was in the Superbowl last year. Texans win this game 24-17