Texans Crossover: Week 4 Q/A with Steelers writer Rob Gregson
The Houston Texans are setting up to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, where they would love to get their record back to .500 on the year, where they would have an even record for the first time since the start of the season.This game is as winnable for the Texans as it is for […]
The Houston Texans are setting up to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, where they would love to get their record back to .500 on the year, where they would have an even record for the first time since the start of the season.
This game is as winnable for the Texans as it is for the Steelers. Both of these teams have had some struggles this season but have gotten better in the last few weeks. For the Texans, their offense is finally starting to come together, especially through the air. They have given C.J. Stroud full freedom on the football field.
But the Texans haven't played the Steelers since 2020, and a lot of things are different now for both teams. So, how about we go behind enemy lines and see what's going on in Pittsburgh and maybe ask one of their best beat writers, Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Pittsburgh, a few questions?
Texans used to have their own Watt
1. Texans fans and media aren't new to a Watt wrecking things on the defensive side of the ball; however, this time is obviously much different. T.J. and J.J. are two of the best we have seen in the modern era. How would you compare the two?
Great question. I think their game is actually very similar when you get down to the bones of their pass-rush plan. T.J. is the lighter of the two, and so his wider alignment and more streamlined physique would lend you to believe he’s more of a finesse rusher. And while you wouldn’t be wrong necessarily, his calling card is power, just as J.J.’s was throughout his career. But what really sets the Watt’s apart is their mental capacity. The two of them were and are film junkies, combining intelligence, toughness, and athleticism into a package that no offensive lineman can handle on their own.
Steelers have a Batman-Robin duo
2. The Steelers defense has a lot of playmakers. What do we need to know about the other guy, the opposite of Watt, and how he can disrupt a game?
Alex Highsmith is the Robin to T.J. Watt’s Batman. Receiving his own massive contract extension this offseason, he wins with a variety of pass-rush moves based on speed and quickness, leaving offensive tackles guessing on every play when Pittsburgh decides to interchange Watt and Highsmith’s alignment.
Steelers perimeter players could do some damage
3. We know about George Pickens, but is there another guy fans need to watch for on the offensive side of the ball when it comes to the perimeter?
With Diontae Johnson still on I.R. due to a hamstring injury, the team has asked second-year WR Calvin Austin III to take on a bigger role. He has shown capability early in the season, busting open the game against the Raiders last week with a 70+ yard TD reception, thanks to his 4.32 speed.
Texans can create havoc?
4. How has the offensive line held up so far, and do you see the Texans' defensive line having a chance to make some noise?
Considering the team has played against three of the league's best pass rushers, Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, and then Maxx Crosby, I would say they have held their own considering the draft status and overall skillset of the group. Will Anderson could certainly give OT Dan Moore some trouble with his speed to power, but his defense against the run would probably be the bigger concern for a Pittsburgh offensive line that has struggled to generate any displacement of opposing defensive lines.
Steelers secondary with some questions
5. Minkah is known as a guy who can do a little bit of everything for his position. He doesn't have one glaring weakness. How has the secondary been around him?
Probably the biggest question mark outside of the offensive line, the Steelers corners have been exposed early in the season, although Levi Wallace bounced back with a couple of interceptions on Sunday Night Football last week. A long as they can play sound and not succumb to mental errors, the pass rush will get home and limit any ineptitude on the backend.
Latest injury report for Steelers at Texans, Week 4
Here is an updated look at the Steelers’ injury situation ahead of Week 4.
