By Mike Wilkening
Sept. 8, 2008

The Texans were something of a popular upset pick on Sunday, the theory being the Steelers were ready to take a step back because of mounting questions on both sides of the ball. Well, Pittsburgh ended that discussion rather quickly, never allowing Houston to be competitive en route to a 38-17 win. While Pittsburgh's offense was dominant and efficient against a Texans defense that couldn't stop the run or mount a pass rush (with the exception of brilliant young DE Mario Williams, who had two sacks and forced a fumble that set up the Texans' only points (a field goal) in the first three quarters), the play of Pittsburgh's defense might have been Sunday's biggest revelation. The Steelers sacked Texans QB Matt Schaub five times, three coming from ROLB James Harrison, who got the best of rookie OLT Duane Brown. Also, LOLB LaMarr Woodley notched a sack and intercepted a pass. And the Steelers' smothering run defense limited Houston to 75 rushing yards and put the Texans in poor down-and-distance situations. In short, it was the type of performance that some observers thought the Steelers' defense wasn't able to muster anymore.   

The PFW spin

It's only one game, but the Steelers' defense can take plenty of positives from this victory. Harrison picked up right where he left off a season ago, and Woodley looks like a star in the making. ILB James Farrior also was effective on the blitz.

The Steelers actually notched more sacks in last season's season opener than they did vs. Houston, but the six sacks they racked up at Cleveland in '07 were largely against an indecisive quarterback (Charlie Frye) who held onto the ball way too long. The pressure on Schaub was relentless. From just a visual perspective, this looks like a faster Steelers defense than a season ago.

Much credit is due to the Steelers' D-line, too, as Houston's offensive line couldn't get the traction it needed to jump-start the running game. On one play, Steelers NT Casey Hampton pushed C Chris Myers several yards into the backfield and into the ballcarrier.

If the Steelers' defense can play this well for much of the season, look out. Next on the schedule: rival Cleveland, whose offense looked out of sorts vs. Dallas on Sunday. The Browns need to get on the same page, and fast.