Steelers 27, Houston Texans 7
September 18, 2005
In 2005 the Steelers defeated the Texans in a regular season game 27-7.
Reliant Stadium
The heat was on, in more ways than one in Houston. The Texans opened the roof in an effort to make the Steelers uncomfortable in their black jerseys, but the humidity, 90 degree air temperature, which rose to 110 on the field, and baking sun didn't have an impact.
Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered a bruised knee the week prior, was dominant as he completed 14 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 139.8.
"I feel I'm better on the field than on the sidelines," said Roethlisberger.
The Steelers dominated early, scoring on their first four drives of the game as they jumped out to a 20-0 lead. Jeff Reed opened it with a 37-yard field goal, later adding one from 35 yards out.
Roethlisberger hit Hines Ward on two straight possessions, connecting for touchdowns of 16 and 14 yards respectively.
For a second straight week Willie Parker looked good, carrying the ball 25 times for 111 yards, getting a spell in the fourth quarter when Verron Haynes came in.
It wasn't just the offense that had a strong outing. Troy Polamalu sacked Texans' quarterback David Carr three times, and the defense totaled eight sacks on the day.
The Texans got on the board in the third quarter, but the Steelers offense kept coming at them. Roethlisberger hit Cedrick Wilson deep for a 40-yard gain, and Parker's 10-yard touchdown run sealed the 27-7 win.
"We've got to keep doing what we're doing -- not turning the ball over, not getting penalties and playing smart," said Coach Bill Cowher.
The win was the Steelers 16th straight regular-season win and the team's eight straight road win.
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