By Jared Villani @JVillain10
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked to extend their 2-0 start to the 2020 season against the struggling Houston Texans who were looking for their first win. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger picked up where he left off last week, hitting three different receivers on their first drive and in turn opened up the ground game for James Conner to get going early. Ultimately it was old reliable Chris Boswell to put the game's first points on the board with a 33-yard field goal to put Pittsburgh ahead 3 to 0.
Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson took the challenge of facing Pittsburgh's defense and looked to challenge the Steelers secondary early on connecting with Brandin Cooks and Will Fuller V. Watson found veteran receiver Randall Cobb for a big 28-yard touchdown, taking the lead from Pittsburgh 7 to 3.
After lackluster offense from both teams, Houston's offense put a nine-play drive together and concluded this possession with their newly acquired running back David Johnson crossing the goal-line for a two-yard touchdown. Houston added to their lead, now ahead of the Steelers 14 to 3.
Roethlisberger came out looking sharp in hopes to answer back after the Houston touchdown while connecting with his tight ends Vance McDonald and Eric Ebron. Roethlisberger looked to get Ebron more involved and that was obvious as he found the big man in the back of the end-zone for his first touchdown reception in black and gold. Steelers still trail 14 to 10 after the Ebron touchdown.
His first touchdown in Black & Gold!@_BigBen7 | @Ebron85
???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/Y9cdMEOaA8— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 27, 2020
Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense continued to fire on all cylinders as Roethlisberger was perfect, completing all five of his passing attempts for 56 yards including a 26-yard touchdown pass to his favorite receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Steelers regain the lead 17 to 14 over the Texans with Smith-Schuster's third touchdown reception of the season.
WIDE OPEN‼️ @TeamJuJu
???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/ODAG82buxC— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 27, 2020
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh gave Deshaun Watson a bit too much time prior to the end of the half and Watson wasted no time marching down the field, only needing five plays to get the Texans ahead of the Steelers once again. Watson linked up with Fuller V for a 16-yard touchdown connection to regain the lead 21 to 17 over Pittsburgh going into the half.
Pittsburgh got the ball first in the second half, but struggled to get much going on the ground as well as failing to move the ball effectively in the passing game. The Steelers would settle for another field goal, Boswell's successful 26-yard attempt put Pittsburgh within a point as they still trail 21 to 20.
The Steelers defense had made their presence known with the usual suspects (Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt), but it was Mike Hilton who continued to make his presence known as well as he made a play to pick off a pass deep intended for receiver Kenny Stills. Hilton's play ended a promising drive from Watson and the Texans, but it was a much needed turnover to get the Steelers back in the lead.
After Roethlisberger had done most of the heavy lifting on offense, James Conner took matters into his own hands and continued to look great despite suffering an injury back in Week 1. Conner chipped away at the Texans defense and capped off the drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown and Roethlisberger's connection with none other than Smith-Schuster on a two-point conversion gave the Steelers a 28 to 21 lead and ultimately leading the Steelers to another win.The Steelers have looked far from perfect so far this season, but all that matters right now is their perfect 3 and 0 record.
.@JamesConner_ POWERING his way in to put us up! ????
Two-point conversion is good!
???? CBS ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/v9fjXcurAn— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 27, 2020
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 23-36 237 Yards Two Touchdowns
James Conner 18 Carries 109 Yards One Touchdown
Eric Ebron 5 Receptions 52 Yards One Touchdown
Mike Hilton 8 Tackles One Interception
