Image Source: Ralph Vacchiano
Key Takeaways:
- The Houston Texans’ defense is championship-worthy and legitimate, holding the Steelers to just 176 yards overall
- The Texans need to run their offense through their ground game, taking the ball out of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s hands
- C.J. Stroud’s performance has been inconsistent, and it’s unclear if he’ll fulfill his promise as a rookie
- Aaron Rodgers’ career may have ended with a disappointing loss, but his legacy remains intact
- The Texans will face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, while the Steelers head into an uncertain offseason
Introduction to the Game
The Houston Texans’ dominating 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC wild-card game marked the end of an era, as 43-year-old Aaron Rodgers’ legendary career may have come to a close. As Ralph Vacchiano noted, "Aaron Rodgers’ career may have ended against the elite Texans defense." The Texans’ top-ranked defense, which held the Steelers to just 176 yards overall, was the deciding factor in the game. The Texans’ pass rush and coverage were impressive, never allowing wide receiver DK Metcalf to get loose. The defense was responsible for the kill shot, with a sack from pass rusher Will Anderson causing a Rodgers fumble that defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins scooped up and returned 33 yards for a touchdown.
The Texans’ Defense: A Championship-Worthy Unit
The Texans’ defense has been stellar all season, and their performance against the Steelers was no exception. As Vacchiano stated, "Everything about the Houston defense in this game showed it’s for real." The defense held the Steelers to just 176 yards overall, with the pass rush and coverage being particularly impressive. The Texans’ defense has been the key to their success, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against stronger offenses in the playoffs. The Texans’ ability to shut down the Steelers’ offense, which was considered one of the weaker units in the playoffs, bodes well for their chances in the Divisional Round.
The Importance of the Ground Game for the Texans
The Texans’ offense, on the other hand, was most effective when they ran the ball. Rookie running back Woody Marks was particularly elusive, rushing for a season-best 112 yards on 19 carries against the Steelers. As Vacchiano noted, "The Texans clearly moved the ball best against the Steelers when they ran it." The Texans should look to utilize their ground game more, as it could be the key to their success in the playoffs. By taking the ball out of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s hands, the Texans can minimize his mistakes and maximize their chances of winning.
C.J. Stroud’s Inconsistent Performance
C.J. Stroud’s performance has been inconsistent, and it’s unclear if he’ll fulfill his promise as a rookie. As Vacchiano stated, "It’s almost hard to remember now that two years ago, he threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdown passes and just five interceptions and he really did look like a budding superstar." Stroud was rattled by the Steelers’ pass rush, fumbling three shotgun snaps and rushing his throws. He also lost two fumbles and threw a terrible interception. The Texans have the kind of defense that can win with just decent quarterback play, but the expectations for Stroud were once much higher.
A Fitting End to the Season, but Not for Rodgers’ Career
If this was indeed the end of Aaron Rodgers’ career, it’s not the way he wanted to go out. As Vacchiano noted, "If this really was the end for Rodgers, it’s clearly not the way he wanted to go out, throwing for just 146 yards (17-of-33) with no touchdowns and one interception." Rodgers threw for just 146 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, against the NFL’s No. 1 defense. The Steelers didn’t surround him with elite playmakers, and he needed them given his physical limitations. However, as Vacchiano stated, "Try to forget this game and remember his come-from-behind win over the Ravens in the regular-season finale. That was a much more fitting way for the future Hall of Famer to go out."
What’s Next for the Texans and Steelers
The Texans will face the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, while the Steelers head into an uncertain offseason. The Patriots are fresh off a smothering win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and their defense will provide a tough test for the Texans. As for the Steelers, the futures of head coach Mike Tomlin and Rodgers are up in the air. It’s possible that the Steelers could be rebuilding behind a new coach and quarterback next season. The offseason will be crucial for both teams, as they look to build on their current momentum or rebuild for the future.
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/houston-texans-vs-pittsburgh-steelers-takeaways-january-12-2026
