--- Another solid game from the Stillers, with a few lapses on defense, even fewer on offense, and near perfection on special teams.
--- Another great week for the passing game, proving that they can chuck the rock vertically when needed, which should keep defenses honest against the run.� Ben looked great, with only one or two bad throws. He scrambled wonderfully, and used the pump-fake to perfection, particularly on the first TD to Ward.
--- A solid, more workman-like effort from the running game. Willie put up 111 on 25 carries, with a few runs over 15 yards, and a nice TD run.� Cowher officially named Parker the starter after the game, regardless of Staley�s condition.� I still think Willie cannot match the pounding power of a healthy Staley, but at 210 pounds he runs between the tackles as good as you can hope for, plus you get the blazing speed.��� I wonder where Staley will fit in now� Is he too big to be a 3rd down back?��� Our 3rd down backs have been lighter faster backs like Parker over the years.� But Staley has good hands�� It will interesting to see how Cowher mixes in Staley.�� Perhaps he should use Staley like he used Bettis last year before Staley got hurt:� as a fresh set of legs late in games to demoralize opposing run defenses.�� Staley can spell Parker and Bettis would be used as a exclusive short yardage back.� Oh by the way, Parker made a few sweet blocks on passing plays!
--- I agree with Mill that two things I�d like to see more of in the offense is Heath Miller and RB screen passes, especially now that Parker is the starter.�� Cowher should start modifying (slightly) the playbook to accommodate Parker (see Brian Westbrook).� There were a few plays where Ben was scrambling where I felt Parker would have been the perfect check down.� As for Miller, he has one catch for a 3 yard TD last week.� Let�s see what this guy can do!!� Maybe Cowher is saving him as the first 2 games have been blowouts for the most part.� I hope so.�
--- The defense had a
pretty good day, but there was some sloppiness, especially within the LB
corps.� Bad tackling, and some bad calls,
allowed the Texans to put together a couple of sustained drives.� They also had a few timely drops that bailed
us out.�
--- Did Reed get a
couple of huge kickoffs or what?�
Sometimes he just gets a hold of it.�
---
--- The Texans offense was pretty sad; in fact they fired their OC today!!� A true test awaits us next Sunday against the Pats.�� I can�t remember the last time they played 2 bad games in a row, so I suspect they will be firing on all cylinders.� Can Parker keep the ground game going against a real defense?� Will our defense redeem themselves after that miserable performance in January?� How about a pass rush from the front 7?� Will Heath Miller build on his healthy 3 yard YTD total?� Will Parker get a few passes thrown his way?�
Go Steelers!! =)
