Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds from Week 3 vs. Texans
By Samuel Teets
Stud: Ben Roethlisberger, QB
It doesn’t feel like Roethlisberger is completing as many deep shots as he’s used to, but the 38-year-old is still performing at a high level. He completed 23 of his 36 pass attempts on Sunday for 237 yards and two touchdowns. That raises Big Ben to 777 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and only one interception this season.
Pittsburgh desperately missed Roethlisberger last season. If the former Pro Bowler remained healthy, the Steelers would’ve at least made the playoffs. Some of the pop from Pittsburgh’s 2018 offense is missing early this season, but it’s still a significant step up from the offensive performance last year. Roethlisberger posted a 101.3 passer rating against Houston.
Big Ben’s battered offensive line deserves some credit for Sunday’s victory. Despite missing multiple starters from last season and dealing with injuries, Pittsburgh’s offensive line limited J.J. Watt’s unit to two sacks. That’s a win for the offensive line.
Dud: Benny Snell, RB
In Week 1, Snell dominated. He carried the ball 19 times and amassed 113 rushing yards. However, the second-year Kentucky product only has ten carries for 16 yards in the past two games. While Conner is playing at a high level and McFarland is beginning to establish himself, Snell continues losing ground.
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Drafting Snell in the fourth-round last year was a questionable move. Snell is a one-dimensional running back that doesn’t differentiate himself from Conner. He could play a role in Pittsburgh’s rotating cast of running backs, especially if Conner gets hurt, but McFarland is a better pairing for the former Pro Bowl back.