Texans vs. Steelers: 3 things to know
Monday's game features two AFC teams stuck at 3-3, as the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers look to continue their bids for a playoff spot.
The Texans are led by MVP candidate J.J. Watt, who has had one of the most impressive defensive seasons in recent history. Watt has scored three touchdowns and has been a nightmare to defend.
Pittsburgh has been buoyed by a standout season from wide receiver Antonio Brown. Brown has caught 41 passes for 629 yards and five touchdowns.
Here's what you need to know:
The multiple facets of J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt has arguably been the best player in football through six games, and stopping the 25-year-old is imperative to the Steelers' success. Watt has recorded 26 tackles, four sacks, an interception, six pass deflections and otherworldly 20 quarterback hits this season.
Watt dominates in the passing game, and will force Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of the pocket. Although Roethlisberger has garnered a reputation for being one of the toughest quarterbacks to bring down, Watt isn't your average defensive end.
The Texans star disrupts the passing game by deflecting balls and generating pressure and is mobile enough to track down running backs with ease. Le'Veon Bell has a difficult task ahead on Monday night.
How will the Texans contain Antonio Brown?
Antonio Brown has been one of the league's best receivers thus far, catching 41 passes for 629 yards and five touchdowns. Brown is a dynamic playmaker that the Texans are poorly equipped to deal with.
Brown is too fast for Texans cornerback Jonathan Joseph and too strong for Kareem Jackson to handle. Houston will likely have to utilize free safety Kendrick Lewis on every down to keep an eye on Brown, as the Steelers receiver is one of the most dangerous deep threats in the game.
Brice McCain steps into the spotlight
Pittsburgh benched struggling cornerback Cortez Allen and replaced him with former Texan Brice McCain. McCain had spent the entirety of his professional career with the Texans before joining the Steelers.
McCain will likely fall behind Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The 28-year-old cornerback has been graded negatively in pass coverage by Pro Football Focus. At 5'9, McCain could be physically overpowered by the larger receiver.
In any event, McCain will be thrust into the spotlight on Monday night. How he performs in Allen's absence could determine the result of the game.