Steelers grind out a defensive battle to secure victory over Packers

Photo by Christopher Klein
via pixabay.com
Used with permission, free rights usage,

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (November 11,  2023) In a hard-fought matchup at Acrisure Stadium (shown left), the Pittsburgh Steelers showcased a different facet of their game, relying on a resilient defense to secure a 23-19 victory against the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers, now 6-3, demonstrated their ability to adapt, overcoming challenges on both sides of the ball to clinch a crucial win.

The Steelers' defense took center stage in this contest, holding firm against Jordan Love and the potent Packers offense for the majority of the game. Despite missing key defensive players like star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, inside linebacker Cole Holcomb, and losing Kwon Alexander early in the game, the Steelers limited Green Bay to 19 points.

The defensive heroics were on full display in the final moments of the game. Keanu Neal intercepted Love's first attempt at a game-winning touchdown, showcasing exceptional awareness as he corralled a ball tipped by Patrick Peterson. With just seconds remaining, Damontae Kazee sealed the victory with another interception as time expired, thwarting the Packers' last-ditch effort.

Neal and Kazee played pivotal roles in not only securing turnovers but also contributing significantly to the defensive effort with eight and five tackles, respectively. The Steelers' ability to weather the storm without key defensive personnel underscores the depth and resilience of their roster.

While the defense held the fort, the Steelers' offense came out firing with an uncharacteristic burst of energy, scoring on each of their first three possessions. Running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren spearheaded a ground attack that proved crucial for the Steelers.

Harris showcased his prowess with a 4-yard touchdown scamper, setting the tone for the game. Warren added to the offensive showcase with a 16-yard scoring run on the second Steelers possession. Harris finished the game with a season-high 82 yards on 16 carries, while Warren recorded a season-best 101 yards on 15 carries.

Despite the explosive start, the Steelers' offense hit a roadblock after taking a 17-7 lead, settling for two more Chris Boswell field goals for the remainder of the game. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and the passing game faced challenges, with Pickett completing 14 of 23 for 126 yards and a 75.6 passer rating. Wide receiver George Pickens led the receiving corps with three catches for 45 yards.

With this hard-fought victory, the Steelers conclude their mid-season homestand, winning two of three games. Currently standing at 6-3, they hold the second spot in the AFC North, trailing the Baltimore Ravens. The upcoming matchups against the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals present crucial opportunities for the Steelers to solidify their playoff positioning.

JJ Watt and the Houston Texans agree to part ways

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Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 13, 2021) The Houston Texans and DE J.J. Watt have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced today.

Watt is the franchise’s all-time sacks leader (101.0), a three-time Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner (2012, 2014-15) and the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

“Change is never easy, especially when it involves the ones you love. J.J.’s impact on not only our organization, but the entire Houston community, is unlike any player in our franchise’s history,” said Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair. “I told J.J. earlier this week that we will forever consider him a Texan. We take solace in knowing that this is not a goodbye but a ‘see you soon.’ For now, we will build upon the foundation that J.J. created here and forge ahead with our unwavering mission to bring a championship to our city, create memorable experiences for our fans and do great things for Houston.”

“Simply put, there has been no person in the past decade who has made a greater impact on the Texans organization than J.J. Watt,” said Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice S. McNair. “J.J.’s dominance on the field was unprecedented and resulted in countless moments that will go down in Texans history. To me, what best represents J.J.’s connection to Houston is his tradition of playing catch with the fans before every home game. The number of people who wear #99 jerseys with smiles on their faces totally encapsulated J.J.’s passion for bonding with Texans fans at every possible opportunity. His commitment to the community is unlike any player in NFL history. We are forever grateful to J.J. and his family.”

“The connection I have with the people of Houston is special, and I will never take that for granted because I know how rare it is. I just want you to know that I love you and I appreciate you,” said Watt via a message to fans via social media. “I want to thank the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL. Thank you, Houston.”

The Texans selected Watt with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he appeared in 128 games for the team across 10 seasons (2011-20). A five-time Pro Bowl selection and AP First-Team All-Pro (2012-15, 2018), Watt set franchise records in sacks (101.0), tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (281) and forced fumbles (25) to go along with 531 total tackles, 61 passes defensed and 16 fumble recoveries. He owns the four highest single-season sack totals in team history (2012, 2014, 2015, 2018) and remains the only player in league history who has accumulated at least 15.0 percent of a single franchise’s sacks.

Watt is one of only three players in NFL history to win at least three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, doing so in 2012 and 2014-15. Since entering the NFL in 2011, he leads the league in tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (281), multi-sack games (26) and sack yards (713.5), while ranking second in sacks (101.0). In 2020, Watt, who led the NFL in sacks twice (2012 and 2015), became the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to total 100.0 sacks, doing so in just his 120th career game.

From 2012-15, Watt logged four straight seasons with at least 10.0 sacks, including two seasons with 20.5 in 2012 and 2014. During that time, he earned six of his seven career AFC Defensive Player of the Week awards and five of his six career AFC Defensive Player of the Month awards. Watt is also the only player in NFL history with 20.0-or-more sacks and 10-or-more passes defensed in the same season (2012 and 2014), and he ranks tied for fifth among defensive linemen in league history with six regular season touchdowns, including three receiving touchdowns.

Off the field, Watt’s response to the disastrous Hurricane Harvey in 2017 helped him earn the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The hurricane made landfall in Houston as Watt and the Texans were away playing their third preseason game. While watching the events unfold from afar, Watt posted a video on social media announcing a fundraising campaign with a very attainable goal of $200,000, to which he intended to match the first $100,000. Little did he know that in just 19 days, he would help raise more than $37 million, a total that eventually grew to more than $41 million. Watt dedicated himself to finding organizations that applied the funds in the ways that he promised the donors and victims of the disaster. He also ensured that every dollar went directly to the people of Houston and its surrounding areas that were in need.

Watt started the Justin J. Watt Foundation while he was a junior at the University of Wisconsin in 2010 out of a desire to help underserved kids. His personal motto of “Dream Big, Work Hard” culminated into a mission that he has used to impact communities all over the country. The foundation has provided more than $6 million in funding to schools and organizations that either have insufficient funding for their youth after-school athletic programs or simply no after-school athletic programs at all.

Houston Texans ready to show improvement

Story and photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 20, 2020) It may not take much for the Houston Texans to show improvement following last week's season opening loss at Kansas City. Improvement comes in many forms and after six plus years of hearing general manager/head coach Bill O'Brien say we need to do better, it's time to see better.

What exactly is better for the Houston Texans? After all this is a team that averages nine wins a season so would we feel better with a 10 win team in 2020? This is a team that has won its fair share of AFC South titles, would another one make us think they are any better in 2020? This is a team that has stars at multiple positions and potential stars at others. Would one more star make us better or did trading away our star receiver make us better?

Better is a relative term and is of course in the eye of the beholder it is all about perspective. Come Sunday, the Texans will host a Baltimore Ravens team that has gotten better ever since Lamar Jackson lined up under center. Getting better doesn't necessarily mean more wins although that would be nice. Getting better on Sunday means your personnel show up in front of a nationally televised audience again and this time they play like they belong on national TV. Getting better means not coming out flat. Getting better means not sitting back after scoring the opening touchdown and thinking man we sure showed them. Getting better means manhandling the Baltimore offensive line and containing Lamar Jackson.

One aspect that will help the Houston Texans get better fast is to hand David Johnson the rock 25 times and let him prove he is still a stud runner. When your main man carries the ball for a 7 yard gain each time he touches it, the only thing you have to do is get better at handing him the ball. If Johnson runs for 100 plus yards and two scores on Sunday, the Texans will win, fans will feel better and no one will have to hear O'Brien say "we got outplayed, out coached, out executed, gotta do better."

If the offensive line is the unmovable wall on Sunday instead of the wall of play dough they were last Thursday in Kansas City, things will be better. Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson had all of 2.59 seconds to throw on average. Even another full second would be better. A more stout performance by the line, a steady diet of David Johnson and Watson plays lights out and all will be better in Texans world.

As long as JJ Watt is a member of the Houston defense, they can always become better. What does better look like. Better sees more JJ Watt through the middle and Jacob Martin playing more then 16 snaps a game. Better includes more tackles and less misses as in 20 at Kansas City. What if that had only been 10 missed tackles.

Getting better and winning at the game of football is about executing the fundamentals correctly. It's about coming out and playing a full four quarters of football. Houston has the talent to match up with the Baltimore Ravens. The question is whether or not they will play better as a team. If they do, a win is a possibility. If not, we will have the same old excuses regurgitated for yet another week.

JJ Watt is Houston's Michael Jordan

Photo by Darla Tamullitis,
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020, All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 28, 2020) Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt spoke to the Houston media on Tuesday via Zoom. It was an interesting conversation and reminds sports fans of Michael Jordan basketball's GOAT.

The biggest question and answer of the day came in the form of question two and the final one before the Zoom was concluded.

With two years left on your contract and no guaranteed money left, do you want to sign a contract extension this offseason? 

"No, I don't think that's necessary. I fully understand and respect the situation that I'm in at the moment and what's happened in the past few years, so I'm not going to sit here and demand anything because I'm going out there to prove what I'm worth, and I believe that's the right situation for everybody. I think if I went back and asked for an extension, more money, anything right now, I think that would be the wrong move. I'm just going out there and trying to prove my worth and to help this team win games and do everything that I can to earn and make sure that these people know that I'm worth it."

This is what you expect from your leader and quite reminiscent of Jordan always playing out his contract and proving his worth each and every season.

How important is it for you to end you career with the Houston Texans?

“That would be, obviously, a goal of mine. This city has been incredible to me since the day I got here. I'm very thankful and fortunate to have the opportunity to play for such great fans that have been supportive of not only myself, my foundation and everything that I've tried to accomplish. It's a great place. I certainly hope that's the case. I don't know what's going to happen. I can't say what's going to happen in the future but I certainly hope that that's the case.”

Jordan never wanted to leave Chicago but the organization misunderstood what his greatness on and off the court meant to Chicago. Only time will tell if Houston learns from Chicago's mistake.

In between Watt also answered questions about Bill O'Brien, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, DJ Reader's absence in the locker room, potential TV career and time with family but maybe the most telling about his worth to the team came when he was asked about helping the rookies of 2020.

Has there been any advice you've been able to give the rookies with you going through the lockout your rookie year?

"Having gone through this type of offseason in 2011 where there were no OTA's, no minicamps, stuff like that, I do have a little bit of experience to lean on there. The thing that I've said is as long as you're training and doing what you need to do from a training standpoint, a running standpoint, getting yourself into the physical shape necessary for training camp, you'll be able to hit the ground running once training camp starts. This situation we actually have a little bit more of an advantage in that we have the Zoom meetings, we can go over the defense with the coaching staff. They can implement it and we can all talk to each other through that. So that is an advantage, but on the flip side of that, the disadvantage is it's hard for guys – in 2011 we could kind of meet as position groups or as an offense or defense, you could learn the plays and go over them and practice them together. Right now we're still kind of working through if that's entirely safe to do, if we should be gathering on our own, if we shouldn't, because we obviously want to get together. We prefer to work out together, we prefer to go over plays together, but at the same time we have to be smart about the guidelines and making sure that we're doing everything safe as well. We're kind of balancing those things just like everybody else, I think there's a lot of uncertainty and we're just trying to wade through those waters and make sure we do it right."

JJ Watt posed a refreshing insight into how much he is worth to the Texans organization and to the Houston community. As much as it appears Houston wants to work out a deal with quarterback DeShaun Watson, the organization needs to bring that same concerted effort to Watt sooner rather then later or he will walk.

Texans OC Tim Kelly excited about the 2020 Houston offense

Photo by
Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By James Jacobs

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 21, 2020) Houston Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly met with the media this past week and is excited about what the Texans offense can be this year provided of course the NFL has a season. Speaking about the elephant in the room or more notably on Zoom, Kelly addressed why the trade of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be an asset to the club and that despite losing a great receiver the team is better off.

 "I think any time you take the field with multiple weapons, multiple guys who can hurt a defense at a variety of different levels not just necessarily deep, short or intermediate but be able to threaten every aspect of the field is a good thing. So as far as being able to attack the defenses and really as each opponent presents its own issue, being able to take advantage of different matchups throughout the entire field and not necessarily one player, it's an encouraging thing." 

Kelly expounded on how the offensive line is fast becoming a strength of the team especially Laremy Tunsil.

"As far as Laremy, him being here for the offseason is going to be very beneficial. Again, more importantly, when we all get together, him being able to get those training camp reps, those reps with the offensive line, with Max (Scharping) and things like that are – I can't stress how important those are for an offensive line to be able to kind of come together and play as one unit. It's a good thing that we have all five of those guys coming back.” 

DeShaun Watson, as the field general, will be expected to shoulder an even bigger load and show even more improvement in 2020 says Kelly.

 “And yeah, there's things that Deshaun needs to get better at, as all of us need to improve on. We've talked about that with him, coming out and being consistent and playing at that – he’s set the bar so high, so it's really a challenge for him to be able to play at that level every time he steps on the field.” 

Houston has brought in new weapons in Randall Cobb, Brandin Cooks, David Johnson and Kahale Waring.

"You look at Brandin (Cooks), you look at Randall (Cobb), you look at Will (Fuller V) and Kenny (Stills) obviously with the production they had last year, Keke (Coutee) and DeAndre Carter, Steven Mitchell (Jr.) made some big plays. Obviously those are guys that have produced and that are coming in with a great mindset and with a chip on their shoulder and are working hard every day to make sure they're on the same page with the coaching staff and making sure they're on the same page with DeShaun." 

Houston's weapons coming out of the backfield gives Kelly more flexibility in playcalling.

“I think it opens up the play calling, obviously. You're not limited by a guy's ability to only run the ball or only catch the ball. When you have guys that are versatile and are both a vital running threat and a good receiving threat, it allows you to open up and be creative and find different ways to get guys the ball in space and do some good things. So, yeah, we're excited to have both of those guys back there." 

O'Brien with a chance to save the Hopkins deal

Photo Credit: Jeffrey S. King

By Lou Roesch
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 23, 2020)  The New England Patriots deal of tight end Rob Gronkowski to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers provides Houston Texans GM and head coach Bill O'Brien to  bring some sanity back to the palace on Kirby.

Just five weeks ago, O'Brien made what seemed to arguably be the dumbest trade in NFL history. Now the former New England Patriots coach is being given the opportunity to make all the naysayers eat their words. Maybe O'Brien had the scoop that Gronk was coming back and the Patriots would deal him to Tampa Bay. With all that now said and done as of a couple of hours ago, O'Brien has a phone call to make. "Hey Tampa Bay, heard you have a tight end by the name of OJ Howard available. Well we could use some juice here in Houston. How about I send you the 40th pick in the draft and a running back by the name of David Johnson." Not out of the realm of possibilities, is it?

You say hey wait we have Darren Fells and Jordan Atkins and Jordan Thomas and Kahale Waring. So what! None bring to the table what Howard does. At 6-6, 251lbs, he is the speedier and younger version of Gronkowski. Not to mention what he did at the combine that scouts still talk about four years later. He enters on the last year of his rookie contract with an option for another so Houston has time to play with the figures. Considering he has not played with a quarterback the caliber of DeShaun Watson, it's still interesting to note that one-third of his receptions have gone for 30 plus yards. In three years Howard has nearly as many receptions as Fells in six years (94 to 102), yardage 1456 in three seasons to Fells 1,171 and 12 TD's which topped Fells 10 in five years. What could he do in Houston with the magic of Watson? He could make fans forget D-Hop really quick. Play a double tight end as O'Brien is prone to do and Howard and Fells would be ridiculously productive.

David Johnson to the Bucs gives Brady his James White type back or put him in the slot as his Julian Edelman. The back-ups to starting back Ronald Jones II are nothing to write home about and if Johnson is healthy this is a win win for both sides. 

Bill.....OJ Howard  is like having a first round pick in 2020 and a veteran so no need to worry about him catching on. Make sure your phone is charged and make the call. Just don't wait till Thursday night or he won't be around.

More questions than answers from O'Brien's media Q & A

Bill O'Brien has been the head coach
of the Houston Texans since 2014.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 17, 2020) Houston Texans general manager Bill O'Brien did little to quell the ire still felt by Houston Texans fans over his trading of the league's best wideout DeAndre Hopkins with his pre-draft press conference on Thursday morning. O'Brien fielded questions only from credentialed media and did little to excite fans about how good the 2020 Houston Texans will be come the first game of 2020. Here are some of the questions and answers he provided.

Talking about the DeAndre Hopkins trade, O'Brien had this to say:

"We felt like after layers and layers of research, this was the best move for our team. We moved him because we felt like that was the best deal for our team relative to this year, next year, two years, three years down the road.”  

So let's see. Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks come to the Texans with a combined 97 catches for 1,411 yards and five touchdowns. Hopkins alone had 104 catches, 1165 yards and seven touchdowns. Oh and he played in 15 games, the same as Cobb and one more then Cooks.

Maybe Ryan Hardison put it best replying to Drew Dougherty on Twitter after he posted O'Brien saying 

"We feel really good about where we are offensively. O-line is in good shape, TE group is strong, 4-6 WR will be battling. But we've got to go out there and produce."

Hardison's response: 

"But what about 1-4 WR.. cuz he traded away our #1. Our #2 cant stay healthy. #3 isnt a #1 WR in this league and the 2 you picked up arent #2 WR anymore!"

What's your biggest concern coming into the draft was answered this way by O'Brien.

 "I don’t know if I would call it a concern, I would say just making sure that your cell phone works. If a team is trying to call you or you’re trying to call a team, making sure you have the ability to contact another team or they have the ability to contact you." 

Maybe he is looking to make another deal?

How about the health of receiver Brandin Cooks and running back David Johnson?

The Texans had David Johnson checked out and receive a physical from a doctor close to, and trusted by, Houston's medical staff and he passed with flying colors. O'Brien expects him to be a three down back.

As for Cooks, yes he has had concussion issues but he only missed two games going back to 2015 but O'Brien does not see that as an issue.

 “Without getting into who did the physical on Brandin, it was a doctor that we felt really good about, that Dr. (Walter) Lowe had a personal friendship with. That’s kind of how it goes during this unique time when there’s no traveling and no things like that. That physical had to take place in L.A. and we were able to have a doctor out there that did a great job. We also spoke with other doctors relative to Brandin and his injuries, not to get into the details. We feel really good about where Brandin’s at relative to his health."

Let's take a look at the proclivity for Cooks to concuss again. He has has five concussions in six seasons. Probably likely to happen again. 

Last year he did not reach the 1,000 yard receiving mark. If we are looking for Cooks to be the receiver he was in New Orleans, forget it. In 2019, only 21.4% of Brandin Cooks' receptions last season resulted in explosive completions, a rate that ranked 42nd among WRs with 25+ targets.   Current Texans wide receiver Kenny Stills ranked ahead of him so don't expect great things from a receiver on his fourth team in four seasons and the lowest production of his career. 

Bill O'Brien would have done better keeping his mouth shut despite the fact that one softball question after another was lobbed his direction and he refused to give any clear answers with exception of one difficult question, "Why was it necessary to bring up Aaron Hernandez in a conversation with DeAndre Hopkins?"...to which he had the clearest answer of the day....."No comment."

NFL and NFLPA agree on voluntary off season program for 2020

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis,
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (April 13, 2020) The NFL and NFLPA have reached agreement on a voluntary off season program for 2020, starting next Monday, April 20, 2020. The program can begin on that date, with no on-field work until all 32 club facilities can reopen.

Club facilities will only open in accordance with NFL procedures and all federal, state and local regulations. If one or more teams must remain closed for any length of time, all teams must remain also remained closed during that period.

Each team gets three consecutive weeks of work plus an extra voluntary veteran mini camps for new coaches. The training cycle cannot last past May 15.

If team facilities do not reopen during the off season workout program, teams may conduct a mandatory mini camp for returning players on a virtual basis. The teams have a four-four limit during the session, such as two hours of classroom time and two hours of training time.

Teams may provide players workout equipment and monitoring devices provided the cost for each player does not exceed $1,500.

Shakeup on Kirby Drive continues

By James Sakaris
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2020) The shakeup on Kirby continues, as over the weekend the Houston Texans front office and coaching staff continued to see changes. Stemming from a flat organizational structure, in which Bill O’Brien is overseeing not only the head coaching duties, but also de facto general manager, the franchise dismissed long time contract/cap negotiator Chris Olsen, Senior VP of Football Administration. While this bodes as a move garnering O’Brien with more power over players and their respective contracts, others speculate it was  simply “making room” for a potential partnering with Nick Caserio, whom the Texans pursued for the GM position post Brian Gaine.

The coaching staff was not without their share of personnel exits/restructuring, as it was announced on the evening of January 19 that long time defensive coordinator and assistant coach Romeo Crennel would not be returning as the defensive coordinator. Filling his void will be defensive line coach, Anthony Weaver, who has been with the Texans as both a player (2006 – 2008) and a positional coach since 2013. While promoting from within is always preferred, one wonders why outside sources weren’t at least interviewed for the vacancy. Wade Phillips, a fan favorite in Houston, is available and when he held the post under Gary Kubiak, he coordinated some of the best defensive seasons the Texans ever had.

Whatever the reasons for the two dismissals Sunday night, one thing is clear, the Texans are not happy with their current structure. Will the changes in front office and coordinating be enough to propel the Texans further into the post season in 2020, or will the fans endure another heartbreaking meltdown in the playoffs like we have in recent seasons? This is the question that will loom until January 2021, when the Texans will hopefully have another chance to solidify their legacy in the NFL Playoffs.

Injuries compound Texans' loss to Dallas

Photo by Wendy Brower
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 25, 2019) The Houston Texans dropped 34-0 decision to the Dallas Cowboys in NFL preseason action at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington on Saturday evening. The loss was not only a devastating defeat against their instate foe, it was also costly on a personnel level.

The word out of the Texans; camp is that running back Lamar Miller will be out the entire season with a torn ACL. The University of Miami product was playing in his first preseason game, took a handoff from quarterback Deshaun Watson and was struck on his left knee by Dallas lineman Maliek Collins; landing inelegantly on the turf. He was carted off the field after the play that will undoubtedly end his career in Houston. Miller, who was in his final season of his contract, rushed for 2,934 yards and 13 touchdowns over three seasons.

Also sustaining an injury was lineman Zach Fulton. He sustained a toe injury. It was diagnosed as toe turf and with a little rest, should return to the lineup in a few weeks. His injury was the Texans' three offensive lineman injury in the past two weeks. In Houston's second preseason game against the Detroit Lions, rooking guard Tytus Howard broke his finger. He is slated to return to action in Week 1. In addition, prior to the Detroit game, tackle Matt Kalil injured his foot stepped on and has yet to return to practice.

With all these injuries two weeks prior to the regular season start, many questions arise as to the upcoming season. Only time will tell if these questions or answered or more questions come to pass.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin post-game press conference 12-25-2017

Video by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2017) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addresses the press after their 34-6 win over the Houston Texans on December 25, 2017.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger post-game press conference 12-25-2017

Video by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2017) Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger addresses the press after their 34-6 win over the Houston Texans on December 25, 2017.

Houston Texans score team-record 57 points in defeat of the Tennessee Titans

The Houston Texans assembled on the sideline, prior to kickoff, for the
National Anthem, and received thunderous cheers and shouts
of approval from the fans at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 1, 2017) In a game that saw no players kneeling during the National Anthem, the Houston Texas scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and went on to down the Tennessee Titans by the score of 57-14 at Houston's NRG Stadium on a beautiful Sunday, October 1, 2017 afternoon. The 57 points was a franchise record for the Texans and pushed their season record to 2-2 for the season. The 43-point  difference is also the largest margin of victory in a game in team history. The previous high was a 34-point drubbing at Tennessee on October 23, 2011.

It did not take long for the Texans to jump on the scoreboard, and in this case, capitalize on a Titan mistake during their first possession. On their first possession and a third-and-six play, Titan quarterback Marcus Mariota's pass, intended for Delaine Walker was picked off Andre Hal, who returned it ti the Tennessee 43-yard line. From that point, Houston rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson engineered a four-play, 43-yard drive that ended with a two-yard option rush by Lamar Miller. Along with Ka'imi Fairbairn's extra point, the Texans took a 7-0 lead at the 12:13 mark of the first quarter.

After a three-and out drive by the Titans, Houston took control of the ball for their second possession and promptly drove 76 yards in 11 plays for their second score of the game. Watson connected with DeAndre Hopkins on a short eight-yard pass for the score. Fairbairn again added the extra point push the Texans' lead to 14-0 after 9:46 of play.

Watson and the Texans continued to rack up points; kicking off the second quarter with a 16-yard pass to Will Fuller V for another six points. Fairbairn again converted the extra point, giving the Texans a 21-0 lead. The Titans finally got on the scoreboard in the second quarter when Mariota drove the ball 75 yards in five plays for their first touchdown; a 34-yard quarterback keeper. Ryan Succop kicked the extra point to cut the Texans' lead to 21-7. Houston responded with a 50-yard field goal by Fairbairn midway through the quarter to increase their lead to 17 points (24-7). The 50-yarder was this longest of the season and extended his team record streak of making his first seven kicks of his pro career.

In the final minutes of the first half, Mariota added six more point to the Titan's total with a seven-play, 75-yard drive that ended with another quarterback keeper; a two-yard run for the score. Succop added the extra point to bring Tennessee within 10 points of the Texans (24-14). After the ensuing kickoff and two penalties against the Titans, the second a 52-yard defensively pass interference call which gave the Texans a first-and-goal from the two-yard line. This time, Watson decided to imitate Mariota; keeping the ball and rushing the final two-yards for the score. Fairbairn kick was wide, giving the Texans a 30-14 lead when the half ended. The Texans' 30 first-half points are the second most in team history. The most points scored by Houston in the first half in 34 against Indianapolis on September 11, 2011.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

At the 6:54 mark in the third quarter, Watson (shown left) again connected with Fuller V on a 10-yard pass; to cap a 14-play, 75-yard scoring drive; along with Fairbairn's extra point; giving Houston a 37-14 lead. After the score, Tennessee replaced Mariota, who was reported as questionable with a hamstring injury,  with Matt Cassel. Cassel did little to improve the Titans' performance against the Texans; as Tennessee still had difficulty finding the end zone. Houston added an insurance touchdown and extra point with 11:25 remaining in fourth quarter, when Watson hit Miller with a eight-yard pass for the score. A little less than three minutes later, Fairbairn connected for 40-yard field goal. To add insult to injury; and the very next set of downs, Cassel, with a pass intended for Walker, was picked off by Dylan Cole and returned for a touchdown. Fairbairn added another extra point to his scoring total for the day; giving Houston a 54-14 lead.

Watson, in only his fourth game as a professional; completed 25-of-34 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, he rushed for 24 yards on four carries and one touchdown. He is the third rookie quarterback with four-plus touchdown passes and one-plus rushing TDs since 1950. Johnny Green first accomplished the feat in 1960; playing for the Buffalo Bills. Fran Tarkenton was the second rookie to achieve that status in 1961, for the Minnesota Vikings.

Miller led the Texans on the ground, carring the ball 19 times for 75 yards and one TD. In the air, Hopkins caught the ball 10 times for 107 yards and one touchdown. The Texans' 57 points were the most scored in a game since Green Bay scored 55 points against the Chicago Bears in Week 10 of 2014.