Jolly Roger Sports: Week 4 Steelers Pregame

The Steelers made a game that most felt should have been a blowout into an exciting one. Indianapolis really wasn't any match for the Steelers, but still somehow led 13-10 at the end of three quarters. This week the Steelers take on a much taller task in the Houston Texans. The Texans are desperate to finally become one of the league's elite and a win this week will do that even after a disappointing late loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Observations from the past week:

The Steelers offensive line doesn't look too good, but I'm not surprised they didn't try to get outside help. They don't have enough room under the salary cap, and until they actually do blow a game because of the line they won't be worried about.

Mike Wallace may be the league's best wide receiver. He stays under the radar somehow, but he does things that other receivers just don't do. I'm never seen someone so open so often. Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson make acrobatic catches, but Mike Wallace never seems to be in a position to have to.

The Steelers defense is still pretty good and getting better. Troy Polamalu looked great. James Harrison looked healthy. The secondary shut down the receivers. I realize they still haven't played a team with a quarterback and receivers, but they need to be able to shut down the guys that they should and so far they've earned a passing grade.

Jerome Bettis and Dermontti Dawson, finalists for last year's Hall of Fame selections, are again eligible. Also Bill Cowher becomes a first time candidate. I think Bettis gets in this year, but Dawson and Cowher will have to wait a little longer. Both will get in eventually though and deservedly so.

What I'll be looking for this week:

More Isaac Redman and Mewelde Moore - The Steelers have struggled to run the ball so far and Rashard Mendenhall holds as much blame as the offensive line. The holes aren't always there, but when they are he just isn't seeing them. Redman and Moore have looked solid in relief and I expect them to be used more heavily.

Another 100 yard performance by Wallace - This Texans defense really isn't any good and the offense will get their points even against a tough Steelers defense. So the Steelers will need Wallace to have a big day. I wouldn't be surprised if he manages 150 yards or more.

More Heath Miller - Heath needs to be used more one way or the other. Trai Essex will likely struggle against the speedy Texans' defensive ends much like Johnathan Scott did against Dwight Freeney. Miller will need to be used to protect him. If he needs to block, leave him in to block. Or you can get him more involved in the passing game by running him on screens or as a (very) quick checkdown when blocking breaks down.

Troy Polamalu - We didn't see him the first two weeks. Then we did see a lot of him last week. So hopefully we'll see him again this week. He looked great and if he's going to pick and choose the games that he wants to go all out, this is a good one to pick.

A James Harrison sack or two - Harrison looked much healthier last week and maybe he is back to full strength or at least close to it. I'm guessing he is and he'll be in on the quarterback often. This might also open up opportunities for more sacks for LaMarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu.

A big day for Hines Ward - I don't think we'll see him have too many as his career winds down. Not because he doesn't have it anymore. He definitely does. But because the Steelers have so many targets to throw to. As more teams key on Wallace, the slot will open up for Hines and he'll be able to do his thing. I think we'll see a decent amount of that this week.

Bend but don't break defense - The Steelers do this a lot. But this week may be a time when they should. The Texans have as difficult a time as any team scoring in the red zone. What this means is the Steelers need to eliminate the big play and force field goals. Even seven field goals won't be enough to win this game so keeping the Texans out of the endzone will be key. Long drives will force turnovers as well.

A high scoring game - I think both teams will get their points, but I think the Steelers will win this by a lot more than people think. Pittsburgh often recognizes when they'll need extra scores and I think we'll see quite a few early.

Prediction: