Steelers stomp the Texans

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers did what they needed to do. They began their 2008 season with a solid performance, resulting in a victory over the Houston Texans. Coming into the regular season after four sub par preseason games, Pittsburgh needed to do a little revamping. Despite going 3-1 in the preseason, the majority of their points came off of Jeff Reed's toe, kicking a total of eleven field goals out of the four games, including a 50 yarder against the Eagles in the first game.

Despite the fact that many were aware that this was a must win for the Black and Gold, the team out on the field looked much like the Super Bowl champions of two seasons ago. With key players returning this season like safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Reed recovering from a broken leg towards the end of last season, the Steelers were able to round off a full roster of strong, healthy players, looking hungry and eager to play. Even nose tackle Casey Hampton, who was put on the physically unable list the first day of preseason because of his weight, was impressive when he stopped the Texas from converting a 4-and-1 to a first down by stuffing QB Matt Schaub. Then again, Hampton does weigh 350 pounds.

Regardless, the Steelers got the ball into Big Ben's hands and let him go to work. After eight plays and 52 yards of hustle, Parker found his way into the end zone for the TD, followed by Reed's extra point to put Pittsburgh up 7-0 in the first quarter.

It was all downhill for the Texans after that. After three quarters of play, Roethlisberger missed only one pass attempt, going 13 of 14 for 137 yards and 2 touchdown tosses. When Ben wasn't busy passing, he was handing it off to Parker who had 25 attempts, racking up 138 yards and three touchdowns.

On the receiving end of Big Ben's gun, Pittsburgh proved they have diversity across the field by completing passes to six different players. Hines Ward brought in six passes totaling 76 yards, not including the 75-yard bomb that was called back for offensive pass interference. Despite that one play, Ward still nabbed two touchdowns to keep tallying the score. Heath Miller had three receptions for 26 yards, Santonio Holmes went two for 19 and both Carey Davis and Matt Spaeth caught a pass totaling 16 yards.

Along with the offense doing well, the defense did not falter at doing their job either. Second-year linebacker LaMarr Woodley proved his position, having a standout game which included an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack, amongst other stellar plays. His size mixed with his agility and speed ought to make for a successful season this year. Also adding to the defense was the much missed Pro Bowler Polamalu who grabbed his first interception in two years, proving that his injuries are no longer impeding his playing skills.

Maybe it was the sunny and warm weather, maybe it was the mere excitement of the start of another football season, maybe it was the few beers that I'd had at the game giving me the buzz of delight I got from watching the Steelers march up and down and all around the Texans. Regardless, Sunday's performance was impressive, hopefully it keeps up throughout the difficult schedule the Black and Gold have ahead of them.

Next week on the 14th, Pittsburgh travels to Cleveland for an 8:15pm kickoff.