NFL Week 7 – Texans’ Watt Looks to Upset Steelers on MNF

Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 44.5)

After last week’s dismal loss against the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3, 1-1 home) are saying all the right things regarding this not being a lost season.

Ben Roethlisberger, who has been sacked 17 times entering the weekend, is staying positive. He said, “There’s no time to panic. You guys are waiting for us to panic. We’re not panicking.”

That includes running back Le’Veon Bell, who has yet to score a touchdown this season.

“Ben is always a calm guy in the huddle,” Bell said. “Obviously when guys aren’t making plays there’s a little bit of frustration about everything, but he’s not throwing fits or tantrums about anything. He understands guys are going to make mistakes.”

Mistakes are part of the game, but this week the Steelers are facing J.J. Watt, who not only leads the league with hits (20) but also has four sacks. There’s also a chance No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney may be back to full strength for Houston.

Texans head coach Bill O’Brien isn’t worried about his defense. It’s his offense that has to start performing.

O’Brien said, “If we start the game with a positive play – first down, gain four, gain five; second-and-5, then gain three (and) then it’s a positive or manageable third down – [or] if we get that first first-down, we’re able to get into a good tempo, a good rhythm and we’re going.

“What the film shows us is that everybody on offense has to play better. Everybody.”

The spread may entice many people to take the Texans and the points, but with the Steelers paltry offense facing Watt, taking the Texans’ moneyline (+140) is the right play.

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