Official Texans @ Steelers Game Thread, 10/20/2014

[Arky]

The more I think about it, the more I realize this is a really critical game for the Texans..... Division games are always highest priority but this is the kind of game that the team needs to win just for the conference W. The teams are probably about even w/the Steelers getting the 3 pts for home field .....Both teams could go one way or the other after this game. The Texans need this one just to support their record or what their record will eventually turn out to be. Go to 4-3 overall and then it is possible to go 6-3 down the stretch which would be right around the cut off line for the playoffs. Leave Pittsburgh with a loss (3-4) and then you're talkin' needing to go at least 7-2 and maybe 6-3 ain't good enough. Jacksonville and Tennessee aren't necessarily gimmes - the Texans will have to earn it..

This is Week 7 and chatter about a "new system" should be on the downslope. They should have the basics of it down by now.... If they don't, then they need to acquire smarter players....

It really sucks when you know you're out of it with a month (or more) to go.... As we're not even at the half-way point, yet, I still got the battle red glasses on... Maybe they come on, maybe they fade, but this game seems very pivotal to me.....

[HPF Bob]

Good sign: Clowney returned to practice today. Should be good to go by Monday night.

Possible good sign: Ex-coach Bill Cowher and ex-receiver Hines Ward were both trashing the Steelers as "soft" after their loss to the Browns and that either means a) they're soft or b) they just aren't throwing the cheap shots that they used to and all the "player safety" rules have gotten to them.

Maybe the Steelers will come out hitting harder but it's just as possible they'll commit some stupid fouls just to prove they aren't soft. Maybe the Texans should bring a bag of marshmallows onto the field just to make a point.

Are marshmallows part of a vegan diet? Just askin...