Week 1........The Best thing about the Texans

[6RingStandby]

http://www.houstontexans.com/cheerleaders/

No seriously...........I don't know why I went and registered to their forums (maybe it's the 151 starting to affect me) and some retard is going off how we played in our preseason game against the Vikes and think they have a chance. Here's what South Texan had to say along with a few others:
Texans vs. Steelers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know... the game is still 2 weeks away from the start of this thread but I was reading through the recap on NFL on their game against the Vikes and I am starting to get very encouraged that this one is very winnable.

In the "dress rehearsal" game Mendenhall looked tenative at best and turned the ball over twice, and with not much of a running game Big Ben had the Viking's D in his face all game long. I would bet our D-Line is just as good as the Vikes when they get turned loose. Minnesota's starting QB was on the bench with an injury, but even the backup was 13/19 for 133 yards. Bet Matt can do a better job than that. I also am aware the Steelers are picked to win their division... but with the Bengals, Ravens, and Browns I think the only real competition they have might come from Cleveland so a first in their division is not saying a lot.

If the Texans have even a semi-legit running game that day, I think they take this one.

Texan Naija says:
I agree. Pittsburgh is a difficult team, but they are by no means unbeatable. I wouldn't look soley on the Vikings game because it is preseason and they didn't play everyone.

I would hope that the Texan coaching staff watched their loss to Jacksonville in the playoffs. Give the Steelers as much smash mouth football as they try to give you and you stand a chance, which means on both sides of the ball, require our guys don't give up and call it quits in the middle of the game or try to play it soft.

Here's a retard named 3andout trying his best to humor the rest of the Texans fans about Casey:

When looking at everything on paper, it looks like a game we SHOULD probably win. BUT it is a game on the road in Pittsburgh and even if Pittsburgh isn't the team they were a few years ago, they play with a toughness that I don't think the Texans have faced this preseason. They can smack you in the mouth, it's just a matter of hitting them back and playing smart. I think the biggest key is going to be our interior line trying to do something with Casey Hampton (if he plays). BTW, I heard earlier in camp that he was eating his way onto the PUP list, any updates on that?

Those Texan mofos don't stand a chance.
__________________
Proud adopter of the T-Rex, #73, Eric Winston!

[Supersteeler]

I've always kind of felt bad for the Texans. They are like the unfortunate unloved step child of Texas football teams. I am completely unable to muster up any dislike for them....of course they must still go down in Week 1, but I hope put together a respectable record this year after that. If they ever get good, then maybe I'll be able to dislike them.

I have to admit I loved watching Mario Williams light up the league and then seeing 200 sports experts have to eat their words in shame for bashing Houston mercilessly for passing on Eric Metcalf....I mean Reggie Bush. It still delights me for some reason.

[Ski_Alta]

i sure hope you aren't selling the texans short... i think they will improve on their .500 season of a year ago. i love their young defense and think andre johnson (although made of glass) is about a good a wr as there is in the nfl. matt schaub is a mediore qb, chris brown is an o.k. running back but is made of the same glass that AJ is constructed from. i DO NOT think this is the cakewalk that a lot of people think it will be

[Ski_Alta]

Eric Metcalf....I mean Reggie Bush.

sir...
that is just awesome

[Big Fella]

I'm definitely concerned about the Texans defensive line. I feel pretty confident that Ben will get hit more times than I'd like.

[TMC]

I'm definitely concerned about the Texans defensive line. I feel pretty confident that Ben will get hit more times than I'd like.

I read a Texan fan say one day that if you double Mario Williams and put a big body on Okoye, their line is done.

That is just what they said. I have not really paid attention to them yet.

[GoSteelers]

didn't they beat us once during the cowher era? or am i wrong on that?
and i am not taking these guys for granted, our schedule has no weak teams, from top to bottom, including the rats.
and thats how it is with girls in houston. when i lived there in the early 90's there was every kind of girl you wanted, gorgeous women at every bar.

[MattArndt]

didn't they beat us once during the cowher era? or am i wrong on that?

You mean when Maddox fumbled for a TD and threw two bad picks for TDs and the Texans had 47 offensive yards? Yeah, I was there. It won't happen, again. If they beat us this time, it will be due to poor special teams and poor OL play on our part.

Here is their schedule. The games in bold are the ones I see them losing. That would make them 8-8, and if they lose in Cleveland, 7-9. They are in a tough division and may be nearly as good as the Titans, but not close to the Jags or Colts. They could surprise me, of course, but I think they'll need some flukey things to happen to grab a wildcard.

1 Sep 07 HOU @ PIT 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
2 Sep 14 BAL @ HOU 4:15 PM Tickets CBS
3 Sep 21 HOU @ TEN 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
4 Sep 28 HOU @ JAC 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
5 Oct 05 IND @ HOU 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
6 Oct 12 MIA @ HOU 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
7 Oct 19 DET @ HOU 4:05 PM Tickets FOX
8 Bye
9 Nov 02 HOU @ MIN 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
10 Nov 09 CIN @ HOU 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
11 Nov 16 HOU @ IND 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
12 Nov 23 HOU @ CLE 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
13 Dec 01 JAC @ HOU 8:30 PM Tickets ESPN
14 Dec 07 HOU @ GB 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
15 Dec 14 TEN @ HOU 1:00 PM Tickets CBS
16 Dec 21 HOU @ OAK 4:05 PM Tickets CBS
17 Dec 28 CHI @ HOU 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

I read some of the comments on their official message board yesterday. I thought about signing up, but realized that, like many fans, the ones talking about winning the first game weren't very knowledgeable. They have the "don't know much about the opposition" disease, so they assume they can beat every team they face.

[Supersteeler]

You mean when Maddox fumbled for a TD and threw two bad picks for TDs and the Texans had 47 offensive yards? Yeah, I was there. It won't happen, again. If they beat us this time, it will be due to poor special teams and poor OL play on our part.



I was another unfortunate bastard that was there for that debacle. 47 stinking yards........

[Overalls]

Not that I expect the Texans to win but it's not like it would be some big shocker if they did. The Texans are an up and coming team and it isn't like the Steelers are a top tier team.

[MattArndt]

Not that I expect the Texans to win but it's not like it would be some big shocker if they did. The Texans are an up and coming team and it isn't like the Steelers are a top tier team.

They have the "don't know much about the opposition" disease.

What exactly do you mean by "top tier"? How many are you including there? Two? Three?

The Steelers were the fourth seed in the 2007 playoffs, and probably would have beaten Jax in the playoffs if the officials had called holding on a Garrard 4th down rush at the end of the game. The NFL officially apologized to the Steelers 3 months later. If they had won that game, they'd have played NE, I think, and probably would've lost to them, again.

If the Steelers lose to the Texans, the only ones who won't be shocked are Texans fans who don't watch any games but their own, in my opinion.

The Steelers weaknesses are special teams and OL, but we have yet to see if those have improved or not.

[Overalls]

What exactly do you mean by "top tier"? How many are you including there? Two? Three?

The Steelers were the fourth seed in the 2007 playoffs, and probably would have beaten Jax in the playoffs if the officials had called holding on a Garrard 4th down rush at the end of the game. The NFL officially apologized to the Steelers 3 months later. If they had won that game, they'd have played NE, I think, and probably would've lost to them, again.

If the Steelers lose to the Texans, the only ones who won't be shocked are Texans fans who don't watch any games but their own, in my opinion.
The Steelers weaknesses are special teams and OL, but we have yet to see if those have improved or not.

That's pretty good. You quote yourself to prove a point like I should care about your opinion but at least you are already trying out your "the officials did it" excuse. It's a shame really. Such a proud franchise in comparison to my little team and you are the one with the excuses ready.

[StLouisSteel-v4]

That's pretty good. You quote yourself to prove a point like I should care about your opinion but at least you are already trying out your "the officials did it" excuse. It's a shame really. Such a proud franchise in comparison to my little team and you are the one with the excuses ready.

Aww, it's a cute little troll! The first of the season! Hello little troll...I will pet you, and love you, and feed you and squeeze you till your head falls off!

I love you troll! Please be sure to come back after the game so that you can eat your steaming pile of shit!

And...it's okay if you want to work on your smacktalk a little before you post here. This is a Steelers site...probably the most hardcore. Hope your balls are tucked neatly into your cup, 'cause they're sure gonna' get busted here!

[Overalls]

Aww, it's a cute little troll! The first of the season! Hello little troll...I will pet you, and love you, and feed you and squeeze you till your head falls off!

I love you troll! Please be sure to come back after the game so that you can eat your steaming pile of shit!

And...it's okay if you want to work on your smacktalk a little before you post here. This is a Steelers site...probably the most hardcore. Hope your balls are tucked neatly into your cup, 'cause they're sure gonna' get busted here!

Oh I am scared the bad man used dirty words. You're a riot. Typical big man of the keyboard syndrome. Please keep your hands off my nuts though. I am not sure what you are into up there but down South we don't fly that way.

[Ski_Alta]

Oh I am scared the bad man used dirty words. You're a riot. Typical big man of the keyboard syndrome. Please keep your hands off my nuts though. I am not sure what you are into up there but down South we don't fly that way.

not for nothing but....
how big of a loser do you have to be to go to another team's website and start talking smack? i never got that at all in any way shape or form

[Steelerman]

and it isn't like the Steelers are a top tier team.

Five playoff appearances in the last seven years, four division championships, one Super Bowl victory......

Oh nevermind.

[Overalls]

not for nothing but....
how big of a loser do you have to be to go to another team's website and start talking smack? i never got that at all in any way shape or form

Please feel free to notice that I did not come in here talking smack until it was vomited on me.

[StLouisSteel-v4]

Please feel free to notice that I did not come in here talking smack until it was vomited on me.

You come here and run your cocksucker at people and then talk about things being vomited at you...AND have the audacity to say you "don't fly that way"

First of all, I promise you, I'm not one of those guys who just runs his mouth on a computer. I would easily stomp your ass in a heartbeat little worm, that I can assure you, and I've never seen your or met you. Anyone here who has met me in person will affirm this for you. But alas, it is the internet...and little pencil neck geeks like you are allowed to flap your cocksuckers at will, and are almost never held accountable for it, so that matters not.

Welcome to Steeler Nation bitch...I'm sure you'll find everyone here very warm and accepting of your dumbassery.

You're funny! You even said the Steelers are not a top tier team. Did you really type that without laughing? What a fuckin' retard. Please tell me you have your helmet on right now.

[Overalls]

You come here and run your cocksucker at people and then talk about things being vomited at you...AND have the audacity to say you "don't fly that way"

First of all, I promise you, I'm not one of those guys who just runs his mouth on a computer. I would easily stomp your ass in a heartbeat little worm, that I can assure you, and I've never seen your or met you. Anyone here who has met me in person will affirm this for you. But alas, it is the internet...and little pencil neck geeks like you are allowed to flap your cocksuckers at will, and are almost never held accountable for it, so that matters not.

Welcome to Steeler Nation bitch...I'm sure you'll find everyone here very warm and accepting of your dumbassery.

You're funny! You even said the Steelers are not a top tier team. Did you really type that without laughing? What a fuckin' retard. Please tell me you have your helmet on right now.


Once again, Mr. Big Bad Man please do not fixate on my groin area. I am heterosexual and do not fly that way. Can't you find some one up there to hit on. I am sure one of the guys at the gym that you rub oil on can hook you up with a special pal.

[markymarc]

Five playoff appearances in the last seven years, four division championships, one Super Bowl victory......

Oh nevermind.

If that doesn't say top tier team then I don't know what to think.

[markymarc]

Not that I expect the Texans to win but it's not like it would be some big shocker if they did. The Texans are an up and coming team and it isn't like the Steelers are a top tier team.

So if your Texans are an up and coming team wouldn't that mean they are a bottom tier team? By the way, how do you define a top tier team. But considering you are a Texans fan I wouldn't expect you to know the criteria it takes to be a top tier team. Also, please be sure to come back after the Texans beat down next Sunday.

[steelersoldier]

Yeah don't forget that they were 8-8 in a very tough conference last year. Don't forget they can take a punch, they play Jacksonville which the last time I checked they hit us pretty good. Although they kicked us when we were down. I also can't hate the Texans yet, until game day ofcourse. I hope we don't sleep on them though, they will be tough

[Overalls]

So if your Texans are an up and coming team wouldn't that mean they are a bottom tier team? By the way, how do you define a top tier team. But considering you are a Texans fan I wouldn't expect you to know the criteria it takes to be a top tier team. Also, please be sure to come back after the Texans beat down next Sunday.

First. Thank you for keeping it to football. 2nd I never even said that the Texans would win the game. I do not think we are a top tier team as well but we are not one of the worse teams in the league either. We are middle of the pack and more than likely will not go to the playoffs this year. I only said that it would not be a big shocker if we did win the game. As in it would not be the greatest upset of the decade if we won the game. The Steeler are a 2nd tier team and did make the playoffs last season. I am sorry that I don't consider going 10-6 in a weak division signs of an elite team. There were 10 other teams in the NFL that had an as good or better record than the Steelers last season. Your record tied with a team in your own division that didn't even make the playoffs. I am not talking about the Steelers historical level in the NFL. I consider the Steelers to be one of the greatest franchises in the history of the NFL. Rocky Blier is one of my all time favorite players but in the long run even last year doesn't mean much this year.

[markymarc]

First. Thank you for keeping it to football. 2nd I never even said that the Texans would win the game. I do not think we are a top tier team as well but we are not one of the worse teams in the league either. We are middle of the pack and more than likely will not go to the playoffs this year. I only said that it would not be a big shocker if we did win the game. As in it would not be the greatest upset of the decade if we won the game. The Steeler are a 2nd tier team and did make the playoffs last season. I am sorry that I don't consider going 10-6 in a weak division signs of an elite team. There were 10 other teams in the NFL that had an as good or better record than the Steelers last season. Your record tied with a team in your own division that didn't even make the playoffs. I am not talking about the Steelers historical level in the NFL. I consider the Steelers to be one of the greatest franchises in the history of the NFL. Rocky Blier is one of my all time favorite players but in the long run even last year doesn't mean much this year.

Don't get me wrong because you have a few good to great players on the team. Offensively Andre Johnson when healthy is one of the best WRs in the game. I think Schaub can be a very effective QB. Defensively you obviously have Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans. They are very good. I saw where Dunta Robinson who IMO is your best CB was put on the PUP list. Yes I realize that we were 10-6 last year, but please don't forget we still made the playoffs and it was Mike Tomlin's first year. I also believe when you talk about top tier teams you have to look over time and not just 1 or 2 seasons. Also, you may want to change your score prediction if you really believe the Texans won't win the game :D

[Overalls]

There is always hope before the game is played.

[MattArndt]

That's pretty good. You quote yourself to prove a point like I should care about your opinion but at least you are already trying out your "the officials did it" excuse. It's a shame really. Such a proud franchise in comparison to my little team and you are the one with the excuses ready.

Trying out? The officials were wrong, it was very evident, and admitted the NFL in an official apology. Excuse? You're entitled to your opinion.

Here is the play-by-play of the drive in question in the fourth quarter of the 2007 wild card game (the play in bold is the play for which the league apologized for not making one of at least two possible holding calls):


Jacksonville Jaguars at 02:38

1-10-JAC 49 (2:38) 9-D.Garrard pass incomplete deep middle to 19-E.Wilford. Jacksonville challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #3.)

2-10-JAC 49 (2:31) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard pass short right to 11-R.Williams to PIT 43 for 8 yards (20-B.McFadden).
Two-Minute Warning

3-2-PIT 43 (2:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard pass incomplete short left to 89-M.Lewis. Coverage by #92 J. Harrison.

4-2-PIT 43 (1:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard scrambles up the middle to PIT 11 for 32 yards (23-T.Carter).

Timeout #1 by PIT at 01:34.

1-10-PIT 11 (1:34) 32-M.Jones-Drew right guard to PIT 13 for -2 yards (51-J.Farrior).

Timeout #2 by PIT at 01:30.

2-12-PIT 13 (1:30) 32-M.Jones-Drew right guard to PIT 8 for 5 yards (90-T.Kirschke, 50-L.Foote).

Timeout #3 by PIT at 01:25.

3-7-PIT 8 (1:25) 32-M.Jones-Drew right guard to PIT 2 for 6 yards (43-T.Polamalu; 23-T.Carter).

4-1-PIT 2 (:40) (Run formation) PENALTY on JAC-9-D.Garrard, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at PIT 2 - No Play.

4-6-PIT 7 (:40) (Field Goal formation) 10-J.Scobee 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-88-J.Zelenka, Holder-3-A.Podlesh.

JAX 31 PIT 29 Plays: 8 Possession: 2:01

Pittsburgh Steelers at 00:37

10-J.Scobee kicks 62 yards from JAC 30 to PIT 8. 44-N.Davenport to PIT 28 for 20 yards (42-C.Nkang; 57-B.Hawkins).

1-10-PIT 28 (:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger sacked at PIT 21 for -7 yards (93-B.McCray). FUMBLES (93-B.McCray) [93-B.McCray], RECOVERED by JAC-66-D.Landri at PIT 21. 66-D.Landri to PIT 21 for no gain (44-N.Davenport).

Jacksonville Jaguars at 00:20

1-10-PIT 21 (:20) 9-D.Garrard kneels to PIT 22 for -1 yards.


Now, it was 4th and 2 and Garrard ran for 32 yards. If holding had been called, as the NFL stated it should have in it's apology, that run is wiped out and the Jags go to 4th and 12. But, if the holding hadn't occured, based on the postion of the Steelers defenders, more than likely Garrard is stopped at the LOS. The ball is turned over on downs, and the Steelers attempt to run out the clock.

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2008/writers/tim_layden/01/08/afc0114/p1_garrard.jpg

If this picture was take a little earlier, you'd plainly see #92 (Harrison) being held as Garrard is passing him, as well as the evident hold in the current picture of #90 (Kirschke). #98 (Hampton) was also held on the play, but isn't in any pictures I've found. I've had the last five minutes of that game on my DVR since it happened, I just don't have the means to transfer screen-caps to my PC.

The point is, you are saying the Steelers are not a top tier team. They might have (and in my opinion - probably would have) beaten the Jags in the playoffs if not for faulty officiating on a decisive big play on 4th down with 1:56 left to go in the game. They received an apology from the league for not being awarded with a penalty call on the opposition after that play.

If they had beaten the Jags, would they be a "top tier" team? In 2005, when they finished 11-5 and beat the crap out of the Bengals, Colts, and Broncos on the road in the playoffs, were they a "top tier" team?

The Giants finished 10-6 in 2007, and didn't win their division. There were 10 other teams in the NFL that had an as good or better record than the Giants last season. Are they a "top tier" team?

Here is where the Steelers finished overall in the NFL in some stats for 2007:

Defense

#1 in yards allowed
#2 in pts. allowed
#3 against the pass
#3 against the run
#3 in yards/play allowed


Offense

#17 in total yards and yards/play
#22 in yards passing, but #3 in average yards/pass
#3 in total rushing, but #7 in average yards/rush
#9 in total TDs
#9 in total points
T-#18 in total plays run


On offense, the only numbers which don't support the Steelers being a top tier team in 2007 are the total yards and yards passing. But, for those numbers to be low (which makes sense because they ran less offensive plays than 16 other teams) and their scoring to be in the top 10 proves how efficient they were.

On defense, well, I don't think I need to comment. They averaged that highly even after losing Aaron Smith and playing poorly the last five weeks. That says a lot for what they did the previous 11.

The Steeler are a 2nd tier team and did make the playoffs last season. I am sorry that I don't consider going 10-6 in a weak division signs of an elite team.

So, after seeing the numbers (all of which I got from nfl.com), are the Steelers still a second tier team to you? Do any of the numbers suggest signs of an elite team? Do you think that you didn't know enough about them to make an informed evaluation?

Anything is possible in the NFL. Houston could win in Pittsburgh. But if that happens, it will be surprising, if not shocking, to many.

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

...chris brown is an o.k. running back but is made of the same glass that AJ is constructed from.

And he's on IR for the season.

Until the Texans find a decent running back, 8-8 is about the best they can hope for (and that's probably optimistic)...

[Ghost of Frenchy Fuqua]

...Rocky Blier is one of my all time favorite players but......

...You don't know how to spell his name?

[Overalls]

Trying out? The officials were wrong, it was very evident, and admitted the NFL in an official apology. Excuse? You're entitled to your opinion.

Here is the play-by-play of the drive in question in the fourth quarter of the 2007 wild card game (the play in bold is the play for which the league apologized for not making one of at least two possible holding calls):


Jacksonville Jaguars at 02:38

1-10-JAC 49 (2:38) 9-D.Garrard pass incomplete deep middle to 19-E.Wilford. Jacksonville challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #3.)

2-10-JAC 49 (2:31) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard pass short right to 11-R.Williams to PIT 43 for 8 yards (20-B.McFadden).
Two-Minute Warning

3-2-PIT 43 (2:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard pass incomplete short left to 89-M.Lewis. Coverage by #92 J. Harrison.

4-2-PIT 43 (1:56) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard scrambles up the middle to PIT 11 for 32 yards (23-T.Carter).

Timeout #1 by PIT at 01:34.

1-10-PIT 11 (1:34) 32-M.Jones-Drew right guard to PIT 13 for -2 yards (51-J.Farrior).

Timeout #2 by PIT at 01:30.

2-12-PIT 13 (1:30) 32-M.Jones-Drew right guard to PIT 8 for 5 yards (90-T.Kirschke, 50-L.Foote).

Timeout #3 by PIT at 01:25.

3-7-PIT 8 (1:25) 32-M.Jones-Drew right guard to PIT 2 for 6 yards (43-T.Polamalu; 23-T.Carter).

4-1-PIT 2 (:40) (Run formation) PENALTY on JAC-9-D.Garrard, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at PIT 2 - No Play.

4-6-PIT 7 (:40) (Field Goal formation) 10-J.Scobee 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-88-J.Zelenka, Holder-3-A.Podlesh.

JAX 31 PIT 29 Plays: 8 Possession: 2:01

Pittsburgh Steelers at 00:37

10-J.Scobee kicks 62 yards from JAC 30 to PIT 8. 44-N.Davenport to PIT 28 for 20 yards (42-C.Nkang; 57-B.Hawkins).

1-10-PIT 28 (:29) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger sacked at PIT 21 for -7 yards (93-B.McCray). FUMBLES (93-B.McCray) [93-B.McCray], RECOVERED by JAC-66-D.Landri at PIT 21. 66-D.Landri to PIT 21 for no gain (44-N.Davenport).

Jacksonville Jaguars at 00:20

1-10-PIT 21 (:20) 9-D.Garrard kneels to PIT 22 for -1 yards.


Now, it was 4th and 2 and Garrard ran for 32 yards. If holding had been called, as the NFL stated it should have in it's apology, that run is wiped out and the Jags go to 4th and 12. But, if the holding hadn't occured, based on the postion of the Steelers defenders, more than likely Garrard is stopped at the LOS. The ball is turned over on downs, and the Steelers attempt to run out the clock.

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2008/writers/tim_layden/01/08/afc0114/p1_garrard.jpg

If this picture was take a little earlier, you'd plainly see #92 (Harrison) being held as Garrard is passing him, as well as the evident hold in the current picture of #90 (Kirschke). #98 (Hampton) was also held on the play, but isn't in any pictures I've found. I've had the last five minutes of that game on my DVR since it happened, I just don't have the means to transfer screen-caps to my PC.

The point is, you are saying the Steelers are not a top tier team. They might have (and in my opinion - probably would have) beaten the Jags in the playoffs if not for faulty officiating on a decisive big play on 4th down with 1:56 left to go in the game. They received an apology from the league for not being awarded with a penalty call on the opposition after that play.

If they had beaten the Jags, would they be a "top tier" team? In 2005, when they finished 11-5 and beat the crap out of the Bengals, Colts, and Broncos on the road in the playoffs, were they a "top tier" team?

The Giants finished 10-6 in 2007, and didn't win their division. There were 10 other teams in the NFL that had an as good or better record than the Giants last season. Are they a "top tier" team?

Here is where the Steelers finished overall in the NFL in some stats for 2007:

Defense

#1 in yards allowed
#2 in pts. allowed
#3 against the pass
#3 against the run
#3 in yards/play allowed


Offense

#17 in total yards and yards/play
#22 in yards passing, but #3 in average yards/pass
#3 in total rushing, but #7 in average yards/rush
#9 in total TDs
#9 in total points
T-#18 in total plays run


On offense, the only numbers which don't support the Steelers being a top tier team in 2007 are the total yards and yards passing. But, for those numbers to be low (which makes sense because they ran less offensive plays than 16 other teams) and their scoring to be in the top 10 proves how efficient they were.

On defense, well, I don't think I need to comment. They averaged that highly even after losing Aaron Smith and playing poorly the last five weeks. That says a lot for what they did the previous 11.



So, after seeing the numbers (all of which I got from nfl.com), are the Steelers still a second tier team to you? Do any of the numbers suggest signs of an elite team? Do you think that you didn't know enough about them to make an informed evaluation?

Anything is possible in the NFL. Houston could win in Pittsburgh. But if that happens, it will be surprising, if not shocking, to many.

My opinion is an opinion and no you didn't change it. I am sorry but I don't consider being the edge of top 10 "elite". Close to 1/3 of the league is top ten.

[steelberger1]

My opinion is an opinion and no you didn't change it. I am sorry but I don't consider being the edge of top 10 "elite". Close to 1/3 of the league is top ten.

Just out of curiousity, how many teams would you consider elite...and who are they?

Playoffs 3 of the last 4 years, with 2 division titles, and a Superbowl victory dont tell you that this is one of the top franshises in the league.

How many teams can match what I mentioned above? I can think of two others.

[Tobe]

So far, I've been unimpressed by our defense. Slaton could have a couple of giant plays against us with his speed. We better be up for this game and not looking passed the Texans.

[MattArndt]

My opinion is an opinion and no you didn't change it. I am sorry but I don't consider being the edge of top 10 "elite". Close to 1/3 of the league is top ten.

Its your right to hold uninformed or misguided opinions. Don't let any facts get in the way of your method of evaluation. The Steelers were 2nd in points allowed and 9th in points scored. Averaging those would have them 5th or 6th overall in the points category.

You showed up to say the Texans winning wouldn't shock anyone - an opinion that can't really be debated without polling thousands of people - and that the Steelers are not a top-tier/elite team - yet provide nothing but overall record to support that statement.

The Steelers, Browns, Titans, Seahawks, and Giants were all 10-6 in 2007. The Steelers were better than the Browns(beat them twice), Titans(didn't play, but I watched Vince Young suck every week on Sunday Ticket), and Seahawks(shut them out 21-0). The Giants were a good deal better than the Steelers, but according to your logic, they are a second-tier/non-elite team, too.

Thanks for posting your insightful words here! We are grateful.

BTW, I like the fans on the texans.com message board talking about how your running game will "wreak havoc" on the Steelers, your "offence" is better than ours, James Harrision will get dominated by your OTs, "pitt WAS an elite team" - a response to a very well-stated post another member made to the contrary, and some retard saying Ben will throw three picks to Robinson - who is out for six weeks with an injury (some of you guys don't even know what is happening with your own team, let alone any other).

There are few posters there with good insight and objective opinions, but most I've read are homers who don't waste time knowing their opponent, and some do not even their own team.

[MattArndt]

So far, I've been unimpressed by our defense. Slaton could have a couple of giant plays against us with his speed. We better be up for this game and not looking passed the Texans.

I don't see our run D as a problem, unless they come out and decide not to tackle like the first two preseason games.

[Thorn]

Greetings from Houston Pittsburgh fans. Let us all hope for an injury free game whatever the outcome. The Texans were leading the league in injuries last year, and that's a bitch. Ah-Man I'm Hurt Again Green might show up for a few plays, but if I was you, I'd be more worried about our passing game and Slaton for a few suprise runs. And our return game with Andre Davis and Jacoby "I hope I don't drop the ball this time" Jones is very dangerous if you lax up on special team defense. Jacoby Jones, if he hangs on to the ball, can really rip up a special team.

Our defense hasn't been looking hot in pre-season, but they've supposedly kept it vanilla. It will be interesting.

But again, here's to a great game with nobody getting injured.

[Dr. Steel Blue]

What's up Steeler Nation? I'm a Texans fan and wanted to wish you guys a good and injury free game. I remember a couple of years ago when you guys destroyed us at home. We were a pathetic team back then with a terrible Head Coach,GM, and QB. We have over turned the roster. Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith have made this team into a very competitive unit. I am looking for a very hard fought game and may the best team win and I hope that is the Texans.:p

Good Luck!




Please kick the Titans ass this year!

[MattArndt]

I agree, your team is much better than it was then.

I hope like hell the Steelers beat the crap out of Vince Young when they play the Titans. I'm so sick of hearing his name. He is keeping that team from being really good, and that's not bad, but I hate all of the attention they guy gets for sucking out loud. The guy has 21 TDs and 30 INTs and a 69.0 passer rating in two years. GET OFF OF HIS NUTS, MEDIA! Nobody with his NFL career deserves any promotional work or special coverage.

[Dr. Steel Blue]

I agree, your team is much better than it was then.

I hope like hell the Steelers beat the crap out of Vince Young when they play the Titans. I'm so sick of hearing his name. He is keeping that team from being really good, and that's not bad, but I hate all of the attention they guy gets for sucking out loud. The guy has 21 TDs and 30 INTs and a 69.0 passer rating in two years. GET OFF OF HIS NUTS, MEDIA! Nobody with his NFL career deserves any promotional work or special coverage.


I couldn't agree more, Vince is keeping that team from being better more than he is helping it. Don't try to tell his followers that, they don't like it.

[Supersteeler]

I agree, your team is much better than it was then.

I hope like hell the Steelers beat the crap out of Vince Young when they play the Titans. I'm so sick of hearing his name. He is keeping that team from being really good, and that's not bad, but I hate all of the attention they guy gets for sucking out loud. The guy has 21 TDs and 30 INTs and a 69.0 passer rating in two years. GET OFF OF HIS NUTS, MEDIA! Nobody with his NFL career deserves any promotional work or special coverage.

But.....he's mobile.

[Overalls]

BTW, I like the fans on the texans.com message board talking about how your running game will "wreak havoc" on the Steelers, your "offence" is better than ours, James Harrision will get dominated by your OTs, "pitt WAS an elite team" - a response to a very well-stated post another member made to the contrary, and some retard saying Ben will throw three picks to Robinson - who is out for six weeks with an injury (some of you guys don't even know what is happening with your own team, let alone any other).

There are few posters there with good insight and objective opinions, but most I've read are homers who don't waste time knowing their opponent, and some do not even their own team.

Texans.com is a homer board where the beginner fan shows up first because it is the easiest to find. All teams have boards with uninformed fans. Most of the fans that I lead here will be coming from Texanstalk.com which is a member of the F2F alliance.

[SteelrzGirl]

Overalls isnt new. He's been around.

I think Pitt craps their pants and shits the opener down their leg. Just a gut feeling.

But the "not a top tier team" makes me giggle. As if dude.

[Overalls]

Overalls isnt new. He's been around.

I think Pitt craps their pants and shits the opener down their leg. Just a gut feeling.

But the "not a top tier team" makes me giggle. As if dude.

OK, OK. The Steelers are a top tier team. I guess Y'all will just have to be more embarassed than I figured you should be when the Texans beat the Steelers. Que sera, sera.

[SteelrzGirl]

Not really.

[b0ng]

While I'm hoping for a win at Heinz field, that usually doesn't happen for many teams in the NFL. The Steelers are a very good home team and they have plenty of players in place that took them all the way.

The Texans are 6.5 point dogs in this game (going by what Vegas thinks of the matchup) which I don't think is completely out of whack. Both teams have some questions, but the Texans have more and that's that. But the one thing we do know is that the Steelers OL has taken a slight step back I'm sure.

The same thing can be said about the Texans CB department which looks to have burnt toast starting on one side of the field, just like last year.

I could go on, and on, but you get the point. I think that the Texans can keep it closer than some of the analysts think (which I think most are calling for a fairly large rout). I will say that the Houston/Pittsburgh rivalry has all but died since the Steelers moved to the AFC North.

[Parasite]

I kinda agree with SG but I do think we'll pull out an extremely UGLY win. I am very concerned that Williams and Ryans are going to be in Ben's face all day. Luckily, he is like a magician back there in getting away from pressure.

[Idioteque]

I agree, your team is much better than it was then.

I hope like hell the Steelers beat the crap out of Vince Young when they play the Titans. I'm so sick of hearing his name. He is keeping that team from being really good, and that's not bad, but I hate all of the attention they guy gets for sucking out loud. The guy has 21 TDs and 30 INTs and a 69.0 passer rating in two years. GET OFF OF HIS NUTS, MEDIA! Nobody with his NFL career deserves any promotional work or special coverage.

I don't think anyone is really on his nuts..... everyone points out his awful passing stats. You must be thinking of Vick, who everyone made excuses for........

[markymarc]

OK, OK. The Steelers are a top tier team. I guess Y'all will just have to be more embarassed than I figured you should be when the Texans beat the Steelers. Que sera, sera.

Well the Texans may not win, but at least you are learning :D

[markymarc]

Our defense hasn't been looking hot in pre-season, but they've supposedly kept it vanilla. It will be interesting.

But again, here's to a great game with nobody getting injured.

And not having Dunta Robinson really hurts your passing game. IMO he is your best CB on the team. But like you said here's to a good game with no injuries.

[Dr. Steel Blue]

And not having Dunta Robinson really hurts your passing game. IMO he is your best CB on the team. But like you said here's to a good game with no injuries.


Thanks, he was the best CB on our team and he still is if he comes back healthy. That's the doubt that some of us are concerned with. I hope he comes back and gets his career back on track. Fred Bennett(you will hear his name) is a very good CB but with Dunta out we have had Jacques Reeves back there and to this point the Cowboys fans were right on about him. Hopefully he just has to get used to the defensive "scheme".

[SteelrzGirl]

I kinda agree with SG but I do think we'll pull out an extremely UGLY win. I am very concerned that Williams and Ryans are going to be in Ben's face all day. Luckily, he is like a magician back there in getting away from pressure.

Exactly what Im worried about.

[Overalls]

As has been stated here, on paper our D-line should stack up well against your O-line. IF that does happen our DBs won't be forced to cover long because Ben will be having to get rid of the ball quick. That MAY work in our favor and help us cover up some of our short comings at CB and Safety.

[CoolieMan]

I kinda agree with SG but I do think we'll pull out an extremely UGLY win. I am very concerned that Williams and Ryans are going to be in Ben's face all day. Luckily, he is like a magician back there in getting away from pressure.

uh...Ryans had about two or three sacks last season...he may make some tackles...but they will not be in the backfield/

[mightyguru]

I kinda agree with SG but I do think we'll pull out an extremely UGLY win. I am very concerned that Williams and Ryans are going to be in Ben's face all day. Luckily, he is like a magician back there in getting away from pressure.

Don't forget Okoye.

[Jesse]

I could go on, and on, but you get the point. I think that the Texans can keep it closer than some of the analysts think (which I think most are calling for a fairly large rout). I will say that the Houston/Pittsburgh rivalry has all but died since the Steelers moved to the AFC North.

No, it died when your football team moved to Tennessee.

[Parasite]

uh...Ryans had about two or three sacks last season...he may make some tackles...but they will not be in the backfield/


My bad. Meant Okoye.

[Parasite]

Don't forget Okoye.

That's who I actually meant to put. Brain cramp.