4 things fans must know about Steelers Week 3 matchup vs. Texans

Texans have a deep group of offensive weapons

The Texans traded DeAndre Hopkins for David Johnson and a 2nd round pick while swapping a 4th round pick in 2020 for a 4th round pick in 2021. It seemed like a terrible move, especially considering the success Hopkins is having in Arizona. The Texans selected Ross Blacklock with that pick, and while he may be talented and have filled a need for more pressure from the interior, he has not started a game yet. Furthermore, he got ejected late in the Ravens game for throwing a punch.

With all that being said, there had been rumors that Deandre Hopkins wanted more money and, out of Houston that had barely started circulating by the time the Texans found a trade they liked. The Cardinals were a team willing to put that amount of money in Hopkins’ pocket. The Texans used the draft pick to fill a need that had been talked about throughout the off-season and with it being such a high second-round pick it was almost like a late first round. So the Texans got some value out of a player that wanted out anyway.

Instead of trying to find one big name to try and replace Hopkins, they settled for adding two quality starters in Randall Cobb, and Brandin Cooks. Adding that to a room with deep threats, Will Fuller and Keke Coutee, and talented but generally inconsistent Kenny Stills makes the receiving corps much more interesting. While none of these wide receivers are elite, this is a versatile group of good guys that can and will be used differently. There is a lot of speed between Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller, and Keke Coutee and they will look to stretch the field with these receivers while making room underneath for David Johnson.

David Johnson had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage for a terrible Cardinals offense in 2016 earning a pro-bowl nod and all-pro honors. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in 2017 and after missing a year, was unable to find that groove again. He started 2020 in two different fashions.

In Week 1 he averaged 7 yards per carry, over 10 yards a catch, and scored 2 touchdowns. In Week 2, however, he only averaged 3 yards per carrying, while still averaging 8 yards per catch, but did not score a touchdown, per ProFootballReference. The Pittsburgh Steelers should be prepared for the Week 1 version of David Johnson coming into their matchup.

Depending on which David Johnson shows up, the Texans offense could give this Steelers defense problems. However, the Steelers all but shut down Saquon Barkley and held Melvin Gordon in both of their matchups. This is a whole different offense altogether, and the Steelers defense against the pass is going to be crucial to the outcome of this game.