Steelers: Early impressions by the numbers vs. Houston Texans

The Steelers stay pat in Pittsburgh to face the Houston Texans (0-2), in hopes to advance to 3-0 to start the season.

Officially, the third week of the 2020 NFL season & the Pittsburgh Steelers is just as good as anybody. Record speaking, as they sit at 2-0 & opening as four-point favorites against the Houston Texans.

In their past five matchups, the Steelers reign 4-1 with their last loss in 2011 at Houston. Scoring 27 or more points in each of their four victories, they have also allowed only more than 20 points once. Although recent history is favorable, the Steelers won’t treat it when they kick off on Sunday at 1 PM E.T.

Are the Steelers in for a trap game?

Defensively, the league stats may continue to flood of anything alluding to black & gold. Although they have a young superstar at QB in Deshaun Watson, their skill talent outside of WR Will Fuller is bleak at best.

In the first two weeks, Watson leads an offense electrified by HC Bill O’Brien, averaging 247.5 passing yards per game (16th), 18.0 PPG (29th), and even worse, 84.5 rushing yards per game (30th), according to teamrankings.com. Perhaps, the results are already self-inflicting, reminiscing on the trade of WR DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals.

WR Brandin Cooks has been the main target, as he leads Houston with 13, 115 receiving yards, & 16.4 yards per receptions, but all eyes need to be set elsewhere. The passing attack for the Houston isn’t anything sort of magnificent. Even with Watson’s 2-2 TD/INT ratio, his efficiency is superb, specifically when connecting with his tight ends, Darren Fells & Jordan Akins.

Combining for 15 targets, they have 13 catches for 136 receiving yards & two touchdowns. Don’t be shocked if this is an area the Texans key on after Denver Broncos TE Noah Fant’s slight performance last week. There isn’t much & the wealth is shared in this offense, but for a team that essentially receives no aid from their ground game, this is where all their chips are placed.

After running for only 51 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens in week two, maybe the Steelers create a personal challenge to do even better when facing the Texans. Turning the ball over twice, four sacks, & only converting 3 of their nine third downs, Pittsburgh have some numbers to pass but don’t be surprised if they do.

Even then, it doesn’t get any better for this Houston defense. Is it that bad? Yes, cause it’s not good. The Steelers are in play for season-highs as opposing teams are averaging 33.5 points per game. Although they are third against the pass (190.0 per game), it could merely be for the consequence that they are allowing 198 rushing yards per game (31st) on 5.6 yards per attempt (31st).

Beginning the season against the Ravens & Kansas City Chiefs is never appealing for anyone & may not tell the whole story, but words are being said from the best of them.

The frustration is bearing & furthers the aspirations of completing the trio of Watt brothers someday all on the Steelers. And to answer the question, no, this is not a trap game. At least, it shouldn’t be.