Can the Steelers win in the trenches?
This is a question on both sides of the ball, technically, as the trench play has been very hit-and-miss so far this season. It didn’t help when Cameron Heyward was lost for at least half of the season with an injury, but the defensive trenches have been a mess at times.
That said, the Texans offensive line is also a mess right now. Injuries have forced out two of their tackles, meaning that their exterior is stretched thin already. The interior is also unproven, and it seems likely that former Steelers guard Kendrick Green will be starting at guard in this game. This is a weakness that needs to be exploited.
On the flip side of things, the Steelers offensive line hasn’t looked like the better unit many expected them to be. No one has been great so far, and while the interior is steadily improving, the tackles have been a mess. The Texans have a pair of good edge rushers that could test this line once again.
The Steelers need to win the battle in the trenches this week. On offense, the tackles need to hold their own, and the interior needs to open holes for the running backs. On defense, the line has to exploit the weaknesses on the Texans front. A multi-sack/pressure day will be needed from this group if they want to stop Houston.