Steelers vs Texans: Predicting the starting defense for this week's game
curt popejoy
·1 min read
Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
On Friday night the Pittsburgh Steelers will kick off their preseason by welcoming the Houston Texans to Acrisure Stadium. The Texans blew out the Steelers 30-6 last season but this game isn't about payback. It's about player evaluation.
The Steelers have a ton of new pieces on both sides of the football and with the bulk of the roster spots locked out, there might not be a ton of roster battles but the fights to see who starts where and how the depth charts play out will be something to keep an eye on.
Knowing the first preseason game of the year isn't about playing too many starters, here is our prediction for the first-team defense against the Texans this week.
Defensive end - DeMarvin Leal
Aug 20, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) reacts after a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive tackle - Montravius Adams
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass as Montravius Adams #57 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends in the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Defenisve line - Isaiahh Loudermilk
Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) passes the ball against pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Outside linebacker - Markus Golden
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Markus Golden #44 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a sack in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Outside linebacker - Nick Herbig
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Nick Herbig #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Inside linebacker - Payton Wilson
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) talks to the media during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Inside linebacker - Patrick Queen
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback - Donte Jackson
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: Cornerback Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. It was Jackson's second interception of the game. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
Cornerback - Darius Rush
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) reacts to nearly making an interception against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of their their game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Cornerback - Beanie Bishop Jr.
Sep 11, 2021; West Point, New York, USA; A September 11th memorial ribbon decal is seen on the back of the helmet worn by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Beanie Bishop (21) during the second half against the Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Safey - DeShon Elliott
Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Safety - Damontae Kazee
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Damontae Kazee #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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