Look for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers to get a win on Monday night. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)
Houston Texans (3-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh – TV: ESPN
*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters
*Keys to the game: The retrograde version of RB Arian Foster could lift the Texans out of their shell offense that strived primarily to minimize Ryan Fitzpatrick’s mistakes. The veteran starter has six interceptions but if he reads blitz quickly to find WRs Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, Fitzpatrick should see considerable passing windows.
Pittsburgh alternated wins and losses and mediocre results are a direct reflection of a see-saw defense. The Steelers were plowed over by the Browns last week and the same zone running scheme is coming to town Monday. You can bet former Foster backup Ben Tate (two TDs for Cleveland last week) shared some trade secrets about the Steelers’ soft spots.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is taking a pounding again behind a sieve-like offensive line, including 11 sacks the past three games. With the exception of the Week 2 loss at Baltimore, the combo of RBs Le’Veon Bell (5.2 yards per carry) and LeGarrette Blount (5.8) has cleared 20 combined carries. Roethlisberger’s survival and the effectiveness of the passing game could depend on setting the physical tone with the running game early.
*Matchup to watch – Texans K Randy Bullock vs. Steelers KR Dri Archer: Archer didn’t show the instincts of a reliable returner in last week’s loss, bringing three kicks out of the end zone and only making it to even the 19-yard line once. He’s capable of providing a spark, but cannot be a crippling presence in a game where field position could mean plenty.
*Player spotlight – Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney: Out since the opener following knee surgery, the No. 1 overall pick might finally be back on the field where he is projected to be Robin to J.J. Watt’s Batman at some point. For now, the Texans would settle for a few quarterback pressures from the touted pass rusher.
*Fast facts: Johnson needs 10 receiving yards to pass Steve Largent (13,089) for 14th place in NFL history. … Roethlisberger has been sacked 152 times more than any other quarterback since entering the NFL in 2004.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
If the tag team of Watt and Clowney is reunited, the Steelers get two choices: Max protect and plow their way down the field or play chicken with a powder keg pass rush and hope for the best. With a weary defense, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin picks Option 1.
*Our pick: Steelers 28-23
