Match-ups to watch in tomorrows Texans-Steelers game

[nunusguy]

"STEELERS CBs DESHEA TOWNSEND AND IKE TAYLOR VS. TEXANS WR ANDRE JOHNSON: The team’s No. 1 draft choice in 2003, Johnson is 6-3, 219, and yet finished first in the Fastest Man competition during the Pro Bowl last February. Opponents frequently rolled their coverage to his side of the field in 2004, but he still caught 79 passes for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. Fast and physical, Johnson also is a dangerous runner after the catch. Townsend is the team’s most consistent cornerback from a technique standpoint, and Taylor will start on the other side in place of Willie Williams. Expect the Steelers to be very wary of where Johnson is on the field at all times."
http://www.steelers.com/article/57114/
***************************************************
Here's an article with some analysis & description from the Steelers web site
that's pretty decent reading.

 

[rmartin65]

good matchup for the Texans

 

[the wonger need food]

finished first in the Fastest Man competition during the Pro Bowl last February.

He actually finished second. Allen Rossum won it.

 

[stephen1]

there is also another receiver matchup worth watching. dunta on hines ward

 

[texasguy346]

there is also another receiver matchup worth watching. dunta on hines ward

I'm interested to see how Dunta plays the run when facing a WR that can block as well as Hines Ward. If Hines is able to pancake DRob consistently it could lead to some very long runs by the Steelers.

 

[awtysst]

I am interested to see how DD goes up agianst the Blitzburg line.

 

[Mongoose]

"STEELERS CBs DESHEA TOWNSEND AND IKE TAYLOR VS. TEXANS WR ANDRE JOHNSON: The team’s No. 1 draft choice in 2003, Johnson is 6-3, 219, and yet finished first in the Fastest Man competition during the Pro Bowl last February. Opponents frequently rolled their coverage to his side of the field in 2004, but he still caught 79 passes for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. Fast and physical, Johnson also is a dangerous runner after the catch. Townsend is the team’s most consistent cornerback from a technique standpoint, and Taylor will start on the other side in place of Willie Williams. Expect the Steelers to be very wary of where Johnson is on the field at all times."
http://www.steelers.com/article/57114/
***************************************************
Here's an article with some analysis & description from the Steelers web site
that's pretty decent reading.

Pittsburgh's corners are doing a little better than anticipated, but they need a pass rush or they'll get undressed by quality receivers. I'm hoping the Texans O-line doesn't suddenly decide to protect Carr this week. If Haggans and Porter introduce themselves to Carr a few times, the corners won't seem so bad. If Carr gets time to throw, their Madden rating suddenly take a sharp downward turn.

The point about Ward blocking on DR is much more interesting with Parker in the game. Suddenly, Pittsburgh has a guy who can run outside. Ward's blocking may become more than a curiosity with Parker trying to break it to the corner.

Mongoose