Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview: Can C.J. Stroud Overcome Pass Rush?

The Houston Texans will host the Pittsburgh Steelers and their great pass rush on Sunday, doing so with a continuously injured offensive line.

The Houston Texans were rightfully joyous after Week 3’s 37-17 win over the rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The next step is doubling the one-game win “streak” and the road ahead is not getting any easier.

Houston will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, looking to return to .500. The main story of the day may be legendary defensive lineman J.J. Watt’s induction into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor, but the Texans will have the opportunity to make his day even better with a win.

What’s standing in their way? Oh, just Watt’s younger brother, superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt.

Pittsburgh leads the league in sacks, with 13 through three weeks. Watt himself has somehow managed six so far.

Unfortunately for Houston, their own problems only add to the difficulties of Sunday’s task. Despite posting their best performance of the year in Week 3, the Texans’ offensive line remains without four starters. Now, replacement lineman Josh Jones, who had fared well, is expected to miss the contest, too.

Stroud throwing as a hit is about to land. Courtesy of USA TODAY

Head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about mitigating the Steelers’ dynamic pass rush, which also includes edge rusher Alex Highsmith.

“Whether it’s O-Line, quarterback, tight end, it will take all 11 to get it done,” Ryans said. “We know we have our hands full with the pass rush this week. Guys have done it for a long time being successful rushing the passer … so we’re up for a challenge this week.”

To their credit, it’s a lot easier to be optimistic about the Texans while rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is playing good football. He’s looked like the best rookie passer of the three first-rounders and is displaying the arm talent, anticipation, and aggression that helped him find success at Ohio State.

He’s been able to find success with receivers that, despite being legitimately good NFL players, are lesser talents than his Buckeye teammates. The test on Sunday, with such a talent disadvantage in the trenches, may be a measuring stick game for the young gunslinger.

Stroud has been electric from the pocket. Keeping him upright could make or break Houston’s Week 4 affair.

WHAT: Houston Texans (1-2) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX (72,220)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, 12 p.m. (CDT)

TELEVISION: CBS

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans +2.5 (-110), +125 Moneyline, Total: 42.5 (o -118/u -110)