Houston +3½ over PITTSBURGH
Two teams that are headed in completely different directions hook up here in both teams second pre-season game of the year. The Texans are a team to take seriously this year and will likely be the most improved team in the NFL. They opened against the Cowboys last week and shut them down 18-0. The No. 1 offense totaled 134 yards in 17 plays and scored a field goal and a touchdown on each of its two possessions. Carr completed seven of eight passes for 89 yards. The defensive starters were only on the field together for nine plays, and they limited the Cowboys' first-team offense to 43 yards. The Texans forced four turnovers against the Cowboys, sacked Dallas quarterbacks four times and didn't allow a sack offensively. Preseason victories are small fries in the scope of what the Texans ultimately hope to accomplish this year. Nevertheless, coach Dom Capers would like to see a repeat of last weekend's performance and has stressed so to his players. Houston won just five games last year, however, there were several near misses and as a result, the off-season focus was defense. The Texans raised some eyebrows in the draft when they surrendered four picks to move up into the late first round to grab all-American from Western Michigan, Jason Babin. Babin, along with fellow first rounder Dunta Robinson made an immediate impact last week and we expect much more of the same tonight. The Texans are a fired up squad that wants to establish a winning atmosphere heading into the regular season. Meanwhile, the Steelers have little to work with both on the field and the sidelines. Eight of coach Bill Cowher's 12 assistants either are fresh to the staff or have new titles or jobs, including both coordinators. The club threw players overboard, mostly aging veterans, and signed few to replace them. Other than halfback Duce Staley, the Steelers added no significant players other than rookies, none of who should play a big role this season. That includes Ben Roethlisberger, the ninth player drafted and the only quarterback the Steelers chose in the first round in the past 24 years. The Steelers instead are counting on improved health and young players moving into more significant roles to turn around a losing record from last year. The losses prompted them to cut their ties with some notable veterans. The Steelers released linebacker Jason Gildon, their all-time sack leader and defensive co-captain, along with safety Brent Alexander, cornerback Dewayne Washington, halfback Amos Zereoue and tight end Mark Bruener, all starters or former starters. They also induced halfback Jerome Bettis to take a pay cut to $1 million annually. Kendall Simmons, the team’s number one pick in 2002, was injured last week and will likely miss the entire season. With Simmons out, Keydrick Vincent will become the starter at right guard for tonight's game. Vincent, an undrafted free agent in 2001, is the best the Steelers can do. We know it’s only the pre-season, however, the Texans have a great attitude and seem extremely prepared and determined to have a good year while the Steelers are adjusting to a whole new team of coaches and players and it’s going to take some time to adjust, not to mention a lack of talent. Said coach Bill Cowher this week after practice, “ It’s going to be a long year.” We couldn’t agree more. Take the points. Play Houston +3½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2)
Two teams that are headed in completely different directions hook up here in both teams second pre-season game of the year. The Texans are a team to take seriously this year and will likely be the most improved team in the NFL. They opened against the Cowboys last week and shut them down 18-0. The No. 1 offense totaled 134 yards in 17 plays and scored a field goal and a touchdown on each of its two possessions. Carr completed seven of eight passes for 89 yards. The defensive starters were only on the field together for nine plays, and they limited the Cowboys' first-team offense to 43 yards. The Texans forced four turnovers against the Cowboys, sacked Dallas quarterbacks four times and didn't allow a sack offensively. Preseason victories are small fries in the scope of what the Texans ultimately hope to accomplish this year. Nevertheless, coach Dom Capers would like to see a repeat of last weekend's performance and has stressed so to his players. Houston won just five games last year, however, there were several near misses and as a result, the off-season focus was defense. The Texans raised some eyebrows in the draft when they surrendered four picks to move up into the late first round to grab all-American from Western Michigan, Jason Babin. Babin, along with fellow first rounder Dunta Robinson made an immediate impact last week and we expect much more of the same tonight. The Texans are a fired up squad that wants to establish a winning atmosphere heading into the regular season. Meanwhile, the Steelers have little to work with both on the field and the sidelines. Eight of coach Bill Cowher's 12 assistants either are fresh to the staff or have new titles or jobs, including both coordinators. The club threw players overboard, mostly aging veterans, and signed few to replace them. Other than halfback Duce Staley, the Steelers added no significant players other than rookies, none of who should play a big role this season. That includes Ben Roethlisberger, the ninth player drafted and the only quarterback the Steelers chose in the first round in the past 24 years. The Steelers instead are counting on improved health and young players moving into more significant roles to turn around a losing record from last year. The losses prompted them to cut their ties with some notable veterans. The Steelers released linebacker Jason Gildon, their all-time sack leader and defensive co-captain, along with safety Brent Alexander, cornerback Dewayne Washington, halfback Amos Zereoue and tight end Mark Bruener, all starters or former starters. They also induced halfback Jerome Bettis to take a pay cut to $1 million annually. Kendall Simmons, the team’s number one pick in 2002, was injured last week and will likely miss the entire season. With Simmons out, Keydrick Vincent will become the starter at right guard for tonight's game. Vincent, an undrafted free agent in 2001, is the best the Steelers can do. We know it’s only the pre-season, however, the Texans have a great attitude and seem extremely prepared and determined to have a good year while the Steelers are adjusting to a whole new team of coaches and players and it’s going to take some time to adjust, not to mention a lack of talent. Said coach Bill Cowher this week after practice, “ It’s going to be a long year.” We couldn’t agree more. Take the points. Play Houston +3½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2)
