Texans’ defense dominates Steelers in AFC wild-card game:...

What’s Happening

Listen up: Houston beat up on Pittsburgh as the Texans earned their first-ever road playoff win NFL Playoffs Houston demolished Pittsburgh 30-6 tonight in an NFL playoff wild-card game.

The Texans will travel to New England to face the Patriots in the divisional round on Sunday. Houston’s defense dominated the game, scoring on a fumble return and a pick six in the fourth quarter. (plot twist fr)

Stroud committed three turnovers, but the Houston defense held the Steelers to 175 yards, including just 146 yards passing for Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers in what may have been his final NFL game.

The Details

The Texans claimed their first-ever road playoff win, while Pittsburgh hasn’t clutched a playoff game since January 2017. Check out highlights of the game here your thoughts with us at live@theathletic.

Houston’s defense turned in a stellar performance to completely disrupt Pittsburgh’s offense and hold the Steelers to just six points, which tied a season low. With Houston’s offense struggling because of self-inflicted wounds, the Texans defense shouldered the load.

Why This Matters

Aaron Rodgers found himself under pressure throughout the night and had to settle for dump-off passes that didn’t get the job done as the Steelers converted just two of 12 third downs for first downs. Meanwhile, the Steelers managed only 44 rushing yards. The defense delivered the knockout punch with just more than 11 minutes left when a W ill Anderson strip-sack was recovered by Sheldon Rankins , who returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

Key Takeaways

• For good measure, the Texans defense recorded an interception with 2:39 left and Calen Bullock returned that 50 yards for a touchdown.
• Houston truly has a championship caliber defense capable of carrying this team all the way to the Super Bowl.
• Rather than acquiring young talent to prepare for a 2026 rookie QB, they acquired countless veterans to win now.

The Bottom Line

In a rather un-Steeler-like way, a franchise known for taking its conservative methods pivoted to an aggressive — even desperate — approach to roster building. Rather than acquiring young talent to prepare for a 2026 rookie QB, they acquired countless veterans to win now.

How do you feel about this development?