Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Houston Texans on Monday night for what could either be a very close game or a blood bath for the Texans if the Steelers can’t get things together after their embarrassing loss to the Browns last week. Both teams are coming off losses. Both teams sit at 3-3. The nation could be in for another Monday Night Football letdown. I’ve had conversations with other folks who know all things Texans, and the consensus seems to be we will be witnessing two teams seeking identity while looking at .500 seasons. It would be great for the Steelers to pull out a win on Monday – it only gets more difficult the following two weeks.
The game is on Monday night, so obviously the game will be broadcasted on ESPN. The game is at Heinz Field, and the Steelers have the advantage there – at least historically. Since Heinz Field opened, the Steelers have the MNF record at home going undefeated. Hard to believe, no? Ben Roethlisberger is 5-0 at home on MNF. He has a 66% completion rating and has thrown for 9 touchdowns in that span. Head coach Mike Tomlin also has faired well on Monday nights, leading the Steelers to a 7-2 overall record and a 4-0 home record. Let’s hope that the trend continues.
ESPN will bring their usual torrent of poor football analysis during their pre-game show. The question is what will be the garbage thrown at vs the garbage that comes out of Ray Lewis’ mouth ratio? Perhaps Trent Dilfer’s mic will not work the entire night. Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden will have the booth. Anyone have a drinking game going for Gruden’isms? A shot every time you hear “Spider 2 Y Banana” or “Boy I love what this kid does out in the open”? Pray for a close game so they stay focused on the action and not have to start talking about lots of off topic crap.
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Time: Kickoff 8:30pm EST
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN Live – must have certain cable/dish subscriptions
Radio: WDVE 102.5 FM – Pittsburgh, KILT 100.3 FM – Houston
Here are the broadcast maps for the week on Sunday.