Texans' dominant defense stifled the Steelers, leaving no doubt who's the superior team. Their playoff hopes shattered in a shellacking.
The Houston Texans rocked the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, 30-10. The Texans imposed their will on the Steelers surgically removing the Steelers from the game.
Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a great run in his bonus season with the Steelers, but his fun was cut short early in this postseason. Some Texans writers took notice.
Jonathon M. Alexander of the "Houston Chronicle" shared his honest thoughts on the game. Alexander shares why it was so apparent the Texans were the better team on Monday.
"Unfortunately for the Steelers, that playoff berth didn't last long. And they never stood a chance. The Texans' defense was too good - as they've been all season.
They sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers four times, forced two fumbles, intercepted him once, held him to a 51.5% completion percentage, the Steelers to 175 total yards, and scored two defensive touchdowns in a 30-6 win at Acrisure Stadium.
It was a stat line that resembled the 1985 Bears and gave credence to the argument that this is the best defense of the past decade. If you wondered if the Texans had what it takes to get to a Super Bowl, look no further than this performance when SWARM City (Texans' nickname) came into the Steel City and took over."
Texans players have perhaps their test of the postseason ahead in their next playoff game. The Texans face the New England Patriots and star quarterback Drake Maye after the Patriots stunned the Chargers, 16-3.
Despite the fun matchup ahead, it's hard not for Texans fans to stop and smell the flowers. Certainly, Houston was expected to shut down future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but there's something to be said for the team living up to the hype in the game.
As was the case all year long, defense got it done for Houston. Ultimately, they did what we expected them to do: they limited the Steelers by simply doing enough of the little things right. Now comes the tougher test.
The New England Patriots offense should be expected to bring a better game than they did in their last matchup against the Chargers. The Patriots defense allowed Maye and the offense to stay in cruise control and simply not throw the game away. With Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud and company likely to challenge with more points on offense, we could see the Patriots open up the offense.
Through one playoff game, the Texans look like a team that could win it all. They will look to keep it rolling against the Patriots.