Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Notebook: Houston Dominates On Both Sides
The Houston Texans dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on Sunday afternoon.
The Steelers were favored to win the battle, but the halftime Ring of Honor induction for Texans legend J.J. Watt gave Houston a lot of momentum.
So, following the Texans' fourth game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Texans Dominant in First Half
The Texans were stellar on both sides of the ball during the first half, and the 20-0 score reflects that.
Momentum is a powerful aspect of football and gaining it on the first drive provides an early advantage. Texans running back Dameon Pierce had a sluggish start to the season heading into Week 4, but that wasn't the case on Sunday, as he logged a 13-yard run and a 27-yard catch on the first drive alone. Quarterback C.J. Stroud would connect with receiver Nico Collins for a five-yard touchdown a few plays later after some goal line penalties.
A good first defensive possession is also key to a successful game, and cornerback Steven Nelson finished it off with a leaping interception with a 26-yard return to midfield. Edge rusher Jerry Hughes recorded a sack on the play before.
Houston had a couple of 7-10-yard gains on the next drive by Pierce and receivers Tank Dell and Robert Woods, which resulted in a 36-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn.
The Steelers went three-and-out on their next possession as Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o forced a punt after a six-yard tackle for loss.
The Texans had a few long gains on their next couple of drives by Pierce, tight end Dalton Schultz, Collins and running back Devin Singletary, which resulted in two field goals by Fairbairn.
Pittsburgh had two more three-and-out during the first half, as numerous tackles for loss and a sack by edge rusher Jonathan Greenard kept them at zero.
2. Texans Defense Holds On in Third Quarter
Houston's offense was stagnant in the third quarter as they punted on both of their possessions. Nevertheless, the Texans defense did a solid job with Pittsburgh's attempts to switch the momentum.
on their first possession of the third quarter, Pittsburgh receiver Calvin Austin and running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren each recorded some long gains, but three stops inside the 10-yard line resulted in a 23-yard field goal.
Another long 23-yard run by Harris on their next possession would be all for none after a fourth-and-one sack by Greenard. Pickett was injured on the play and ruled out the rest of the game.
Houston Texans edge rusher Jerry Hughes sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
3. Texans Finished Strong
The Texans offense may have been stagnant in the third quarter, but the last play of it was a 24-yard grab by Collins. Early in the fourth, he added yet another long gain of 14. Singletary also contributed a couple of first downs and ended the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Schultz on a trick play.
The Steelers offense yet again had no answers, as backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky was in the game for the injured Pickett and they'd punt on a three-and-out.
Stroud and the offense finished the day with an exclamation point, as the rookie connected with Collins for a 52-yard touchdown, which made the final score 30-6.
Stroud completed 16-of-30 pass attempts for 306 yards, two touchdowns and has still yet to throw an interception. Winning the first down battle is a usual indicator of the team that comes out victorious, as the 21-year-old led Houston to double Pittsburgh in that category (24-to-12).
Pierce had his best game of the season thus far, as he ran for 81 yards on 24 attempts.
Collins dominated the Steelers secondary and exploded for 168 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions.
Greenard led the defense with two sacks, three quarterback hits and tackles for loss. Hughes and defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins each logged a quarterback hit as well.
Linebacker Christian Harris finished with the most tackles on either side with 12.
