Steelers vs. Texans: 5 Halftime Adjustments for Houston

Well, that was fun.

Houston has done a terrific job of getting pressure on Big Ben, and Pittsburgh's offense looked off-balance for the majority of the first half.

Schaub and Foster have both been sharp, but Andre Johnson was taken to the locker room after going down with a knee injury. Hopefully the offense will be able to keep thriving in his absence.

It's nice to have the lead at half, but it's certainly not a safe one. Here are five halftime adjustments for Houston to hold onto this lead:

1. Keep up the protection for Schaub. Schaub is at his best when he’s calm and collected inside of the pocket, so the last thing Houston wants is Schaub making throws on the run. Houston’s O-line has done a pretty good job of keeping Schaub comfortable, but you know Pittsburgh will bring the pressure in the second half.

Houston must hold its ground.

2. Keep the tight ends involved. Houston’s receivers have been thoroughly blanketed by Ike Taylor and company, but Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen have more than picked up the slack.

When Pittsburgh brings the pressure, Daniels and Dreessen should look to escape out to the flat for a quick pass from Schaub. This is a good way to keep the Steelers’ defense off-balance.

3. Cut the penalties. Well, the three penalties on Houston’s opening touchdown drive didn’t end up costing them anything, but it wasn’t a good sign.

And the two penalties on Pittsburgh’s first drive weren’t either.

Houston is clearly amped up, and I think adrenaline is playing a factor in their penalties. They’ve got to calm themselves down and play under control in the second half.

4. Keep feeding Arian Foster. I’m sure some Texans fans were a little nervous that Foster’s first game back came against Pittsburgh’s defense.

But guess what? He’s passing the test with flying colors.

Ben Tate going down with an injury certainly puts more pressure on Foster, but he looks up to the task.

5. Keep bringing the pressure. Houston has done a great job of keeping Big Ben off-balance all game. Ben has barely had enough time to catch a snap before Houston’s pass-rush is breathing down his throat.

If the Texans can keep Ben uncomfortable, Pittsburgh is going to have a really hard time putting points on the board.