In a victory so emphatic that Ben Roethlisberger made way for Byron Leftwich, the Steelers opened their season with a 38-17 trouncing of the Houston Texans. The Steelers let off the gas in the fourth quarter, moving to backup QB Leftwich and allowing the Texans into the end zone, but it didn't matter. Nobody could stop the ground game, and the black and gold defense shut down Matt Schaub.
My three stars of the game for Pittsburgh:
Number Three: Hines Ward. Two TD receptions, six catches total for 76 yards, a flawless performance once again. The legend continues.
Number Two: Willie Parker. Three rushing TDs, 138 yards on 25 carries. The Texans couldn't stop him. Parker has finally claimed the lead back role with authority.
Number One: TIE - Lamarr Woodley and James Harrison. Woodley with a pick and a sack, Harrison with three sacks and a forced fumble. Both men were emblematic of the stunning Pittsburgh defense.
A great start to the season for Pittsburgh. Regarding the three keys I laid out for this game, the Steelers hit all of them. It's obvious the trust is there; the team is operating as a single unit, a well-oiled and dangerous machine. The ground game is back, though Mendenhall didn't get much for his ten touches (28 yards). Mewelde Moore shined on kick returns and should be dangerous when he gets third-down touches. Finally, the beefed-up offensive line gave Parker more opportuities and Roethlisberger more protection, though they still have some work to do, as Ben met the turf twice at the hands of Mario Williams.
Next week: the Cleveland Browns, who as of this writing are starting off against the Pacman-sporting Dallas Cowboys.
Keywords: houston texans, pittsburgh steelers, stars, wrapup
