No one blitzes more than the Pittsburgh Steelers with 58 blitzes called through two weeks. The blitz has produced results as no one has more quarterback pressures through the first two weeks than the Steelers’ 40.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been hit 20 times amid the Houston Texans’ 0-2 start, and they will have to find way to neutralized Pittsburgh’s blitz if they want to avoid 0-3.
“They do a great job in all phases of their defense, all levels of their defense,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “I think that if you think you’re going to sit back there and hold the ball that’s going to be difficult to do. So, quick passes, intermediate passes, whatever it is we’ve got to do a good job with the different types of protections that we have to make sure that we are giving some time.”
The Texans have the tools to beat the blitz. Watson is nimble and shifty enough to avoid pass rushers, and running back David Johnson is one of the better pass-catching backs in the league. Watson also has relief valves in tight end Jordan Akins, receiver Randall Cobb, who excels playing the slot.
“They’re very good at it,” O’Brien said. “Whether it’s base defense or nickel defense, they have guys that can rush. Obviously, [outside linebacker] T.J. (Watt) and Bud Dupree, but the inside guys can rush. The DBs can rush. The linebackers can blitz. They all have an ability to get to the quarterback, so it’s a very difficult defense to go against. It’s a defense that prides itself on toughness and physicality and it’s going to be a very physical game.”
One way to beat the Steelers’ consistent blitz is with the short passing game, and the Texans have the players to pull it off. Houston’s problem over the past two weeks has been execution, and they will have to remedy that problem in Pittsburgh.