Texans Vs. Steelers

[sir trentalot]

ESPN polls show a lopsided opinion...

Steelers over Texans. Personally, their O-Line is depleted and I am deciding if Tomlin makes the Steelers a legitimate team. Is he as good as Cowher was?

The team has replaced a lot of players since the super bowl year. Plus, they really stunk the year following their Super Bowl title. Last year was more of a surprise... I am hoping the Steelers return to the mediocre team two seasons ago.

LINK:

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=3619&action=1&question27295=108508&question27296=108509&question27297=108512&question27298=108514&question27299=108516&question27300=108517&question27301=108520&question27302=108521&question27303=108523&question27304=108525&question27305=108528&question27306=108529&question27307=108531&question27308=108534&question27309=108535&question27310=108538

[JOJORDAN]

here is the Texan's chance to show the NFL that this isn't another team coached by Dom Capers and the offense isn't ran by David Carr.

GO TEXANS!!! :D

I agree. The time is now:cool:

[houstonbola]

I think we could definitely win this game. Their O-line and D-linie are aging units so hopefully we can run it down their throats and bring home a W.

[spurstexanstros]

I am so disappointed... my mom lives outside Pittsburgh.. I had tickets but had to sell them because of some unfortunate circumstances. and I didnt make a profit...stupid brother got em for face... lives with mom... he is not even Texans fan he is a Cowgirl fan.....hope he gets mugged...


I am so excited I cant wait... I am putting together my game day menu..... is it Sunday yet?

[ChrisG]

hopefully the game is injury free on both sides

better get used to the view ben

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b385/fernogfx/roethlisberger-sacked.jpg

[TMC4REAL]

ESPN polls show a lopsided opinion...

Steelers over Texans. Personally, their O-Line is depleted and I am deciding if Tomlin makes the Steelers a legitimate team. Is he as good as Cowher was?

The team has replaced a lot of players since the super bowl year. Plus, they really stunk the year following their Super Bowl title. Last year was more of a surprise... I am hoping the Steelers return to the mediocre team two seasons ago.

You do realize that the season after the Super Bowl was the off season where Ben wrecked his motorcycle and just before the end of training camp, he had an appendectomy.

Roethlisberger had a horrid start to the year that year. Ben missed the first game, the Steelers (with Ben) then dropped 6 of their next 7. When Ben returned to health, they won 6 of 8 to finish.

If anything, that season was a fluke.

[Numert]

16-0 ftw!

[cuppacoffee]

I am so disappointed... my mom lives outside Pittsburgh.. I had tickets but had to sell them because of some unfortunate circumstances. and I didnt make a profit...stupid brother got em for face... lives with mom... he is not even Texans fan he is a Cowgirl fan.....hope he gets mugged...

I am so excited I cant wait... I am putting together my game day menu..... is it Sunday yet?


And they say Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love...:D

[sir trentalot]

Thank you for pointing that out, I admit I had forgotten about that series of unfortunate Ben Spaghettiburger mishaps. Putting in perspective, Charlie Batch as a back-up QB should have gotten a few more wins... but they didnt.

No Alan Faneca
No Jerome Bettis
No Joey Porter
No Bill Cowher

Personally, I believe they over-achieved last year. Just my opinion.

[TMC4REAL]

Thank you for pointing that out, I admit I had forgotten about that series of unfortunate Ben Spaghettiburger mishaps. Putting in perspective, Charlie Batch as a back-up QB should have gotten a few more wins... but they didnt.

No Alan Faneca
No Jerome Bettis
No Joey Porter
No Bill Cowher

Personally, I believe they over-achieved last year. Just my opinion.

Bettis retired after the Super Bowl. He has not been missed. Parker has tossed up three consecutive seasons with over 1200 yards and almost put up 1500 during the 8-8 seasons. The problem with Ben that season, he came back in week 2 and started throwing interceptions like he got paid for them. Big Ben had 23 INTs that year and several (6 I think) were pick-6s. He usually has around 11 a season.

Porter left last season. James Harrison stepped in and went to the Pro Bowl. We thought, as fans, he could be good.....he was better than we ever expected. In fact, the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons to play ROLB and have now shifted him inside because Harrison is so dominant.

Cowher is gone. I liked Cowher. But, Tomlin retained LeBeau and the defense has not changed. Arians was added as the OC. The jury is out there, but they are giving Ben more freedom. We'll see how that goes.

Finally, a lot of people are making the loss of Faneca a huge issue. Faneca was a great player for us...WAS. He is not the player today he was 3 years ago. He has declined. Nobody really wants to admit that, but if you watched him week in and week out, his skills are on the downhill slide. To add to this, the Steelers added a new line coach and went to a new blocking scheme. Faneca did not like it, so he continued with the way they did it before. It has been written about several times here. Some of the line stayed with Faneca, the new guys went with Zeirlien (the Line Coach). It created several blocking breakdowns. We had untouched guys getting a free run at Ben. To add to this, Sean Mahan was our center and he was dreadful. I cannot believe that Tampa Bay actually gave us a draft pick for him. Justin Hartwig took the job quickly. Chris Kemeaotu is our new LG, but he has been in the system and while he does not pull as well as Faneca, he is stronger, a better run blocker, and does pretty well in pass protection. The big difference will come on our outside runs....we'll see. I think our line is better with Kemo and Hartwig than it was with Faneca and Mahan. We already have watched them block better as a unit....less breakdowns and free runs at Ben.

[TMC4REAL]

pffft. Roethlisberger is a fluke.

It must be tough. I mean, you draft David Carr #1 overall and pay him all that cash only to watch him wash out. Then, in 2004, you pass on Roethlisberger for Dunta Robinson, only to watch Ben set rookie records for wins, lead his team to 15-1 (the loss was not on him) and go to the AFC Championship game as a rookie. Then, the following season, he banks the big one.

Robinson is a good player....but that has to sting.

Fluke? I'll take ANY fluke that wins 39 games while dropping 16. I'll take any fluke that has QB ratings of 98.1, 98.6, 75.4, and 104.1 for the season....his bad year being the one with the injuries/wreck.

Simply put, if you had a chance at getting a fluke like Ben, you would sell a kidney to do it.

[TreWardTxn]

If you have any understanding of football at all, then you know that Ben could have never had the success he did with the Texans that he did with the Steelers; we've never had a top 5 rushing attack or defense. I always thought the team that would feel like 'straight aces' for not taking Ben was NYG, but Eli (kinda) put that one to rest. The eggs is now on San Diego's face, because that team is more talented than NY. (tougher conference though...)

[Number 34]

I believe the Texans can win this game but it is going to be a tough dirty brawl.

I don't believe that the Steelers have lost anything over last year. They still have the solid core of pro bowl caliber players on both sides of the ball. They may have a few weak spots, but not many, and I don't think they have as many question marks as we do.

They are going to try and pound the ball on the ground but I think they will be prepared to air it out more if need be. They have a lot of confidence in Ben. If we can't slow down thier ground game, it will be a long afternoon. If we can slow the run game, but Ben is on, we could still be in trouble. Let's hope our guys come out fired up and find the formula to slow down the Steelers. ie...Bend but don't break and force a few fumbles.

On defense, the Steelers will be tough and our ground game is a huge question mark. I would not be surprised if we have less than 100 yards total rushing. I just pray that we can run enough to keep their D honest. Schuab and Co. will be able to put some points on the board but I think this game might come down to whoever kicks the final field goal. Kris Brown will be a huge factor for us.

Special teams. We will need a homerun on a kick return.

Keys to victory:

1) Slow the Steelers down enough so that they don't dominate time of possession and get 7 every time they have the ball.

2) Manage enough of a running game to open up the pass play. If Schuab has some breathing room, he will get us into field goal range at the very least.

3) Win the turnover/penalty battle. I can't stress this enough. It could make the difference in the game.

Go Texans!

[TEXANBRONCO]

did i say i hate pitsburg fans:D....wont be a fluke when we 1-0 after sunday....your days of glory are behind u....hehe OURS IS AROUND THE COURNER.............:D

[texanfan4ever]

One of the main reasons we will win, is because like it or not, we are still flying under the radar. No one outside of Houston thinks we can win. I hope our line protects Schaub. If they can accomplish that, and the Defense will bring it like they can, I think we can do it. There are a lot of "ifs".

Go Texans!!!! Wow! The thought of beating Pittsburg in Pittsburg is almost too exciting to even think about it.

[headsplint]

Bettis retired after the Super Bowl. He has not been missed. Parker has tossed up three consecutive seasons with over 1200 yards and almost put up 1500 during the 8-8 seasons. The problem with Ben that season, he came back in week 2 and started throwing interceptions like he got paid for them. Big Ben had 23 INTs that year and several (6 I think) were pick-6s. He usually has around 11 a season.

Porter left last season. James Harrison stepped in and went to the Pro Bowl. We thought, as fans, he could be good.....he was better than we ever expected. In fact, the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons to play ROLB and have now shifted him inside because Harrison is so dominant.

Cowher is gone. I liked Cowher. But, Tomlin retained LeBeau and the defense has not changed. Arians was added as the OC. The jury is out there, but they are giving Ben more freedom. We'll see how that goes.

Finally, a lot of people are making the loss of Faneca a huge issue. Faneca was a great player for us...WAS. He is not the player today he was 3 years ago. He has declined. Nobody really wants to admit that, but if you watched him week in and week out, his skills are on the downhill slide. To add to this, the Steelers added a new line coach and went to a new blocking scheme. Faneca did not like it, so he continued with the way they did it before. It has been written about several times here. Some of the line stayed with Faneca, the new guys went with Zeirlien (the Line Coach). It created several blocking breakdowns. We had untouched guys getting a free run at Ben. To add to this, Sean Mahan was our center and he was dreadful. I cannot believe that Tampa Bay actually gave us a draft pick for him. Justin Hartwig took the job quickly. Chris Kemeaotu is our new LG, but he has been in the system and while he does not pull as well as Faneca, he is stronger, a better run blocker, and does pretty well in pass protection. The big difference will come on our outside runs....we'll see. I think our line is better with Kemo and Hartwig than it was with Faneca and Mahan. We already have watched them block better as a unit....less breakdowns and free runs at Ben.


Whoa, did anyone read this?? LOL. Try pacing yourself man too many words for me.

[headsplint]

Just checked the odds out of Vegas and we are anywhere between 6 and 7 point underdogs.


On a side note for Longhorn fans because I am one, the Horns are 25.5 point favorites over UTEP. Kind of low in my opinion. ;)

[Big Green]

One of the main reasons we will win, is because like it or not, we are still flying under the radar. No one outside of Houston thinks we can win. I hope our line protects Schaub. If they can accomplish that, and the Defense will bring it like they can, I think we can do it. There are a lot of "ifs".

Go Texans!!!! Wow! The thought of beating Pittsburg in Pittsburg is almost too exciting to even think about it.

We can beat the Steeler's if we can jump on them early-through the air!! IF, we can get a early lead by PASSING the ball I believe we can pull one out of the hat. Their secondary is not that good.

I do not want Kubiak to try beat the Steelers at what they do best- run the ball, controll the clock.

Until the defense gets up to speed with the offense, I say let the offensive side of the ball win games.

[TMC4REAL]

awww well isnt that sweet, you do realize we had more players on IR last season than anyone and still finished 8-8, i'd say thats a fluke. :cool::cool:

I agree your 8-8 season is a fluke. Absolutely. Normally, the Texans average between 4-6 wins a season....so 8-8 was a huge fluke. Just like 8-8 for the Steelers WITH Ben is a fluke....we usually win 10 a year.

But, both were flukes. Ours down, yours up.

[TMC4REAL]

If you have any understanding of football at all, then you know that Ben could have never had the success he did with the Texans that he did with the Steelers; we've never had a top 5 rushing attack or defense. I always thought the team that would feel like 'straight aces' for not taking Ben was NYG, but Eli (kinda) put that one to rest. The eggs is now on San Diego's face, because that team is more talented than NY. (tougher conference though...)

He may not have had the overall SUCCESS, but that does not mean he would not be successful. Adding a franchise QB can turn teams around.

Farve was traded to the Packers in 1992. For 20 years prior, the Packers had 2-10 win seasons and only 3 winning seasons (one was 8-7-1). Farve arrives, they go 9-7 for 3 consecutive seasons and hit double digit wins for the next 4.

The Cowboys did it with Aikman. The Broncos did it with Elway. The Colts did it with Manning. Great QBs tend to draw other great players. You think Moss took a pay cut to play in New England because he likes the weather?

Look at what McNabb did for the Eagles....their offense and defense were in the bottom 3rd of the league when he was drafted. An offense that can score and keep the ball helps a defense. A passing game helps a running attack.

In 2004, your offense ranked 21st in points scored, 19th in yards. Your defense was 15th in points scored and 23rd in yards. Those numbers are vastly better than the starting point for McNabb, Aikman, Elway, or Manning.

If you had any understanding of football, you would realize that a franchise QB trumps a cover corner ANY DAY. When was the last time a cover corner was the #1 selection in the draft? I can tell you this, it has not happened since 1950.

I also think it is important to note that the season before the Steelers drafted Big Ben, they went 6-10, finished 31st in rushing yards and 9th in total defense. They had the 22nd ranked offense in the NFL. Offensively, we were WORSE than the Texans. After Ben, we became vastly better.

And, since Ben does not play defense, I fail to see how drafting him could not have helped your offense. Manning and Carson Palmer won despite having poor defenses.

PS: For those that struggle to read more than 2 sentences, sorry, I'll try to dumb it down.

[headsplint]

He may not have had the overall SUCCESS, but that does not mean he would not be successful. Adding a franchise QB can turn teams around.

Farve was traded to the Packers in 1992. For 20 years prior, the Packers had 2-10 win seasons and only 3 winning seasons (one was 8-7-1). Farve arrives, they go 9-7 for 3 consecutive seasons and hit double digit wins for the next 4.

The Cowboys did it with Aikman. The Broncos did it with Elway. The Colts did it with Manning. Great QBs tend to draw other great players. You think Moss took a pay cut to play in New England because he likes the weather?

Look at what McNabb did for the Eagles....their offense and defense were in the bottom 3rd of the league when he was drafted. An offense that can score and keep the ball helps a defense. A passing game helps a running attack.

In 2004, your offense ranked 21st in points scored, 19th in yards. Your defense was 15th in points scored and 23rd in yards. Those numbers are vastly better than the starting point for McNabb, Aikman, Elway, or Manning.

If you had any understanding of football, you would realize that a franchise QB trumps a cover corner ANY DAY. When was the last time a cover corner was the #1 selection in the draft? I can tell you this, it has not happened since 1950.

I also think it is important to note that the season before the Steelers drafted Big Ben, they went 6-10, finished 31st in rushing yards and 9th in total defense. They had the 22nd ranked offense in the NFL. Offensively, we were WORSE than the Texans. After Ben, we became vastly better.

And, since Ben does not play defense, I fail to see how drafting him could not have helped your offense. Manning and Carson Palmer won despite having poor defenses.

PS: For those that struggle to read more than 2 sentences, sorry, I'll try to dumb it down.


*Yawn*

[headsplint]

I agree your 8-8 season is a fluke. Absolutely. Normally, the Texans average between 4-6 wins a season....so 8-8 was a huge fluke. Just like 8-8 for the Steelers WITH Ben is a fluke....we usually win 10 a year.

But, both were flukes. Ours down, yours up.

You know what man, just crawl back into your little squealer cave if you're gonna continue to try to convince our fanbase that the Squealers are the greatest team to ever live. Serioulsy move along, and wait for the outcome of the game. We are expected by just about everybody to lose that game and we know it, so come back afterwards and if you guys win I will be the first to say you have the better team, if we win I will be jumping up and down screaming at the top of my lungs we beat the precious almighty Squealers and their Ben Dover squashthisburger QB.

[headsplint]

not like it matters, when we win he wont be back. he'll be blablabla the next teams message board.

Yep making excuses saying it was the first game etc...

[TMC4REAL]

haha ok ur trying to be a smart***. i can appreciate that. try having ur star reciever go down in the second game, then lose your starting QB, whom with both we started off 2-0. then lose your top CB for the rest of the season, along with your starting rb. i dont think the steelers would fare to well with that either. 8-8 was awesome for all the players we had on IR.


You mean, like last season, when we had multiple starters go on injured reserve?
The guys on IR:
Marvel Smith-(LT, starter) bulging disk in his back
Max Starks-(LT, Smith's backup) ACL
Dan Kreider-(FB) knee
Willie Parker-(RB) broken leg
Aaron Smith-(RDE) bicep
Ryan Clark-(FS) spleen

We started a 3rd string LT, backup RB (one that is now unemployed he was so bad), street FA FB, backup DE, and both backup safeties. And, that was every week they started. I am not even including the short term injuries.

But, maybe you should start the backups every year, because they did 2 games better than the starters did the year before. Wait, it was a fluke.

And, if we WIN, I won't be back. Apparently, unless you drink the Texan kool-aid, some of you boys can't handle it.

If we lose, I'll take my lumps like a man.

[Jwwillis1]

You mean, like last season, when we had multiple starters go on injured reserve?
The guys on IR:
Marvel Smith-(LT, starter) bulging disk in his back
Max Starks-(LT, Smith's backup) ACL
Dan Kreider-(FB) knee
Willie Parker-(RB) broken leg
Aaron Smith-(RDE) bicep
Ryan Clark-(FS) spleen

We started a 3rd string LT, backup RB (one that is now unemployed he was so bad), street FA FB, backup DE, and both backup safeties. And, that was every week they started. I am not even including the short term injuries.

But, maybe you should start the backups every year, because they did 2 games better than the starters did the year before. Wait, it was a fluke.

And, if we WIN, I won't be back. Apparently, unless you drink the Texan kool-aid, some of you boys can't handle it.

If we lose, I'll take my lumps like a man.

Cmon man you gotta love this guy. Boards ain't no fun without trolls. At least he took the time to type all that stuff most of us won't read. I jumped right to the "And, if we WIN, I won't be back." and figured I'd count my blessings. Funny thing is, if they lose he won't be back either.

[headsplint]

haha yeah d-robfan the new name you'd have dont have a good ring to it. stick with us, we'll make ya famious. ;)

famious? I wanna be famious!! :D

[sk8termom]

Anyone remember me? I've posted here occasionally these past 3 years since the Steelers/Texans game in 2005. The Texans are still my 2nd favorite team - glad to see they are getting better.

This game should be very interesting this Sunday - and very close. Here's hoping that the Steelers are able to pull this off. Texans are definitely much better than they were in 2005.

Hoping for an injury-free game for both sides. Looking forward to the 2008 opener.

[headsplint]

Anyone remember me? I've posted here occasionally these past 3 years since the Steelers/Texans game in 2005. The Texans are still my 2nd favorite team - glad to see they are getting better.

This game should be very interesting this Sunday - and very close. Here's hoping that the Steelers are able to pull this off. Texans are definitely much better than they were in 2005.

Hoping for an injury-free game for both sides. Looking forward to the 2008 opener.

Hey welcome back! And I agree hopefully it's injury free. See there are some nice Steeler fans out there!!:D

[sk8termom]

Thanks everyone - Texans fans are definitely the best in the NFL.

[sk8termom]

Now heres a lady that knows what she is talking about! Good luck this season from week 2 and on.:D

Likewise :D

[TexansYaker]

Awwww....NOW, i'm feeling that love for the Texans we have earned!

[Texan Dave]

I agree your 8-8 season is a fluke. Absolutely. Normally, the Texans average between 4-6 wins a season....so 8-8 was a huge fluke. Just like 8-8 for the Steelers WITH Ben is a fluke....we usually win 10 a year.

But, both were flukes. Ours down, yours up.

Look man, do we need to go over what hapened last time Houston went to Pitsburg? We had guys make the pro bowl off of that game alone. Man that game was fun to watch, any way you guys can bring Maddox back?

[Number 34]

Anyone remember me? I've posted here occasionally these past 3 years since the Steelers/Texans game in 2005. The Texans are still my 2nd favorite team - glad to see they are getting better.

This game should be very interesting this Sunday - and very close. Here's hoping that the Steelers are able to pull this off. Texans are definitely much better than they were in 2005.

Hoping for an injury-free game for both sides. Looking forward to the 2008 opener.

Welcome friend. The Steelers were my team after the Oilers left and before the Texans came. When I was an Oiler fan, the Steelers were like the big brother who always beat up on us. I have lot's of respect for the Steelers. Too bad we aren't in the same division. :( Anyway I will pull for them except this Sunday. Steelers should win this game but I know the Texans can beat them if they find their mojo. Yea baby!

[hectorinsteel]

I am sorry my friends, but the score is going to be Steelers 27 Texans 9

ou can bet your $$ on this one

[TMC4REAL]

Look man, do we need to go over what hapened last time Houston went to Pitsburg? We had guys make the pro bowl off of that game alone. Man that game was fun to watch, any way you guys can bring Maddox back?


Nope, I completely agree anything can happen. But, there are posts here claiming 150 yard rushing games and 3 TDs, domination by Mario Williams, your rookie LT playing better than a Pro Bowler last season, and a host of other statements that are simply setting the bar WAY too high.

Can you win? Absolutely. But, it will be more because Schaub got going early, found a hole in the secondary, your return game blew up, or our offense made a mistake. Those are much more likely scenarios than Ahman "It hurts again" Green blowing up or your rookie LT stoning a Pro Bowl pass rusher.

Also, isn't it funny how someone can come here, state they like the Texans and their fans, and you guys get all soft and cuddly. It does not hurt if they are a woman. I have not stated ONE off-base comment about your franchise, the fans, or its players....and I am called a troll.

Throw the blinders back on boys you are still undefeated this season. Well, for @50 more hours anyway.

[TMC4REAL]

Once again you need to kill the pro bowl talk. That game means nothing. Just b/c someone goes to Hawaii on a popularity contest doesn't mean he cant get beat at his position.

You are absolutely right. So, that means that Williams could get manhandled by Marvel Smith. It could happen.

And, I mentioned Pro Bowl in referring to Joe Thomas, who James Harrison beat all over the field in the season opener. The thing is, Harrison did it to a host of tackles. He single-handedly dismantled the Ravens offense on Monday Night Football. He ended the night with 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, 3.5 sacks, and 10 tackles.

And, your rookie left tackle is going to stone him? Brown was the 8th OT taken in the draft. Thomas was #1 and considered one of the best OTs to come along in a few years. Your guy was not Top 5 at his position.

And, Joe Thomas and James Harrison did not go to the Pro Bowl because they were household names and people liked them. Both played their way there.

Harrison is just one mean, nasty dude. He is our new Greg Lloyd.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2536/silverbackvn8.jpg

[headsplint]

williams makes that guy look like a toodler.

Yeah and i'm not sure williams would be caught dead with his shirt all tied up showing off his stomach....Two snaps and a kiss Daaaannggg!!! Hey Hey Hey.

[TMC4REAL]

And while Williams is bigger, Williams will still be facing a veteran tackle while Harrison gets to feast on a rookie. Williams is a great player, I am not dismissing him. You ARE dismissing Harrison by stating Brown will handle him.


Yeah and i'm not sure williams would be caught dead with his shirt all tied up showing off his stomach....Two snaps and a kiss Daaaannggg!!! Hey Hey Hey.


Nope, Mario reserves his right to wear full body suits with coordinating accessories....

http://www.howardshum.com/images/mario1.jpg

How many snaps does that get him?

[sir trentalot]

Welcome friend. The Steelers were my team after the Oilers left and before the Texans came. When I was an Oiler fan, the Steelers were like the big brother who always beat up on us. I have lot's of respect for the Steelers. Too bad we aren't in the same division. :( Anyway I will pull for them except this Sunday. Steelers should win this game but I know the Texans can beat them if they find their mojo. Yea baby!

I watched football in exactly the same manner. Nice to know that someone else cheered on our former rival. I also wish that the Steelers were in our division.... Where the heck is Barry Foster anyways...

[headsplint]

And while Williams is bigger, Williams will still be facing a veteran tackle while Harrison gets to feast on a rookie. Williams is a great player, I am not dismissing him. You ARE dismissing Harrison by stating Brown will handle him.





Nope, Mario reserves his right to wear full body suits with coordinating accessories....

http://www.howardshum.com/images/mario1.jpg

How many snaps does that get him?

fail.

[Dominator52]

http://assets.houstontexans.com/assets/gameday/CAR-Mario-stop-1024.jpg

Please Mario I can't take anymore. Can we just cuddle.

[Texan Naija]

williams makes that guy look like a toodler.

The face and the rolled up shirt that man is sporting in the picture makes him look like a toddler.

[canadtexan]

We are underdogs for a reason...last years record...no BIG name changes and never had a winning season.That being said , we are within one score with most oddsmakers which mean we are quietly gaining respect, Now it is up to us,we will need a bend but dont break defense along with a couple of majors instead of 5 field goals. We are playing a very good team and things will definately have to go right , but as the big marketing campaign says"believe in now"

[Yosarian]

We're gonna crush pittsburg.

iT'S GOING TO BE SO AWESOME

I can't wait to see Pittsburgs record after having to face our whole division thi syear. I see 4 losses unless they get their stuff together. They looked bad in training camp and preseason. And with their big names and playmakers when you look bad...it's bad. I'm pretty glad we play them early before they get the pittsburg machine cranking for those last 5 seasonal games. I see a possibility of 6 wins for pittsburg this year. Tough schedule and not being rweady for the start of the season spells disaster.

[Whiskeyrbl]

Does anyone know our all-time opening day record ? Isn't it 4-2 ?

[HydrOshocK]

LOL...I love it when trolls come here to try and convince us how awesome their teams are. Funny stuff!

[Prok]

I don't get the whole troll thing. Yea i'm new and i just registered recently to get your (Texans views) on the game and try to give my perspective.

Alot of you are knowledgeable fans, i'll give ya that. Hell, i don't even have a beef with Houston fans. Well i still LOL at Bum Phillips trying to kick a door in or something like that. Those were the good ole' days.

But christ, there's no need for all the thin skin. Ya think our Steeler boards never get flooded with opposing fans?

Anyways, back to the game: Another matchup i'm looking forward to is Troy P vs Matt Schaub. How good is Schaub at looking off the Safeties? I really don't get to see much of him.

[bugman7star]

Can't stand these trolls sometimes. If only I had some magic acorns to turn them into stone