Before I delve into a Deep Steel Blueprint, I have to express a ton of joy about Sunday’s game. As The 506 shows us, the Houston Texans are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in, what is essentially, a nationally broadcast game. On behalf of those outside the southeast part of
My joy at being freed from being forced by NFL television rules to watch only
So far,
Even with all of these encouraging signs, you have to wonder what the Texans will need to do to beat the Steelers. Wonder no more and hit the jump.
However, that’s too easy and widespread. I don’t want to put together some rehash of what everyone else is saying and waste your time and mine. Instead, I’ll say the key to a Sunday victory lies in the hands of Shaun Cody, Earl Mitchell, DeMeco Ryans, and Brian Cushing.
The Steelers' offensive line isn’t very good. Heck, it’s not even very average, thanks to all the injuries. It’s a thin group, which has contributed to Rashad Mendenhall rushing for 3.0 yards per carry.
"TDC," says the educated BRB reader, "Who cares? Their line sucks and Mike Wallace is destroying defenses left and right! Let’s talk about coverage schemes and maybe even allowing Johnathan Joseph to press at will. Their running game won’t matter!" Except it will if they stick with their plan.
Regardless of your opinion on Maurkice Pouncey, the Gator alumnus is
If trends hold out, and they will because football coaches are stubborn and the tackle situation isn’t great for
There’s a time where scheme and tactics will work, but this isn’t one of those times.
Ryans and Cushing have shown more life over the past two weeks, and they’ll both need to keep returning to form. Ryans needs to continue to find that explosive burst to fill the gap and finish a play, while Cushing has to avoid overthinking a play and get back to reacting and playing aggressively. Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell also need to do something other than be blocked out of the play, or else Mendenhall will walk
That’s what I see as Sunday’s critical match-up, but what about you, BRB faithful? Sound off in the comments below.
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