OVERALL
A second consecutive tremendous performance by the Texans. It’s the first time since 2015 – Bill O’Brien’s second season – they’ve won back-to-back games by at least 20 points.
An outstanding job by the coaches and players on the day J.J. Watt was inducted into the Ring of Honor. The offensive line was remarkable, the running game improved, and the defense shut down the Steelers’ offense.
Grade: A-plus
QUARTERBACKS
C.J. Stroud wasn’t sacked for a second consecutive game and didn’t throw an interception for the fourth game in a row.
He finished with 16-of-30 for 306 yards and two touchdowns with a rating of 111.2. He benefitted from a productive running game for the first time. He didn’t make any bad throws, and he helped the linemen by getting rid of the ball quickly.
Stroud obviously takes to coaching, and they’re getting the most out of him as he improves on a weekly basis.
Grade: A
RUNNING BACKS
The backs were determined to run the ball against a Pittsburgh defense that was tied for 30th against the run. They gained a season-high 139 yards on 38 carries, a 3.4-yard average.
No breakaways in this game. Their longest run was 13 yards by Dameon Pierce, who got 81 yards the hard way – 24 carries and a 3.4 average.
Devin Singletary ran for 25 yards and a 3.6 average, but it was his 6-yard option pass for a touchdown to Dalton Schultz that got the most attention. Five players carried the ball.
Grade: B-plus
WIDE RECEIVERS
Nico Collins has become a big-time weapon in his third season. He and C.J. Stroud have developed quite a relationship. Collins caught seven passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. That’s a 24-yard average per catch.
He must have hit the weights in the offseason because he’s using his strength to break away from a lot of defensive backs. His 52-yard touchdown catch was a thing of beauty.
Tank Dell had only one catch for 16 yards but carried twice for 13. Robert Woods contributed three receptions for 26 yards.
Grade: A
TIGHT ENDS
It took Dalton Schultz four games to put on his best performance. He finished with three receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown on a 6-yard option pass from running back Devin Singletary.
In the second quarter, he got open over the middle and caught a perfectly thrown pass by C.J. Stroud for a 29-yard gain that set up a field goal for a 13-0 lead.
That’s the kind of results the Texans believed they were getting when they signed Schultz for one year and $9 million.
Grade: B
OFFENSIVE LINE
Another splendid performance by an offensive line missing four starters. They did an exceptional job of protecting C.J. Stroud and blocking for the running game.
Tackles George Fant, Austin Deculus and Geron Christian, guards Shaq Mason and Kendrick Green and center Jarrett Patterson should take a bow.
Position coaches Chris Strausser and Cole Popovich have done an excellent job despite injuries to every regular starter but Mason. When Green got hurt in the fourth quarter, he was replaced by Jimmy Morrissey, a center elevated from the practice squad.
It’s remarkable how this group came together in the victories over the Jaguars and Steelers.
Grade: A
DEFENSIVE LINE
The linemen kept persistent pressure on quarterback Kenny Pickett, forcing him to rush his throws or bail out of the pocket.
Jonathan Greenard had the best game of his career. He had three hits on the quarterback, including two sacks. He had three tackles for loss.
When the Texans were trying to protect a 16-6 lead late in the third quarter, the Steelers went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Texans’ 33. Greenard broke free to sack Kenny Pickett for a 9-yard loss that knocked the quarterback out of the game with a knee injury.
Jerry Hughes also had his first sack of the season.
Grade: A
LINEBACKERS
Christian Harris led the team with 12 tackles. Henry To’oTo’o was in on seven tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage. He made two big plays that kept the Steelers out of the end zone and forced them to settle for a field goal.
Blake Cashman contributed a couple of big plays, too. Overall, they played the run well and did a solid job in coverage.
Grade: B
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The secondary was outstanding. The Steelers averaged only 7.3 yards a catch.
Cornerback Steven Nelson continued his excellent performance with a leaping interception that set up a field goal drive.
They had starting safeties Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre on the field together for the first time.
Wide receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin III combined for only six catches and 49 yards. They averaged 8.3 and 8 yards per catch.
Tight end Pete Freiermuth, one of the most underrated in the league, was limited to three receptions for 7 yards before leaving with an injury.
Grade: A
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked field goals of 36, 38 and 39 yards.
In what could be his last game before Cam Johnston returns from injured reserve, punter Ty Zentner averaged 38 yards with a 35-yard gross. He put one inside the 20.
Coverage teams were effective, as always. Returns were average.
Grade: B
COACHING
It’s hard to imagine a head coach and a staff doing a better job than the Texans in the two victories over the Jaguars and Steelers. DeMeco Ryans has inspired the players and the fan base.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik called an outstanding game, as did Ryans.
Defensive coordinator Matt Burke, special teams coordinator Frank Ross and all the assistant coaches deserve maximum praise for the job they did preparing their players for the Steelers and then carrying out the game plan.
Grade: A-plus
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on SportsRadio 610 and Monday, Thursday and Sunday on Texans Radio, also on SportsRadio 610. He writes five columns a week and does three Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.