Last night’s AFC Wild Card matchup between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasn't just a football game, it felt like a changing of the guard, or perhaps more accurately, a forced eviction. The Texans have seemed to make it to the Wild Card run but not proceed out the first round.

Last night was a franchise history for this team as this was the first away game win in a Wild Card Playoff race for the organization. A slow start with a relentless pressuring defense. One thing that needs to be mentioned is the amount of times that Aaron Rodgers was sacked last night.

In a performance that will be remembered as the "Stellar in Steel City," the Houston Texans’ defense didn't just beat the Steelers, they systematically dismantled a legend. The headline of the night was the relentless pressure on Aaron Rodgers, who was sacked 4 times by a Houston front that looked like it was playing at a different speed than the 42-year-old quarterback.

The question becomes on if this was Rodgers last game. Some Steeler fans seem to think so.

The Texans, led by DeMeco Ryans’ stifling scheme, turned Acrisure Stadium into a house of horrors for the four-time MVP. The 30–6 final score only tells part of the story. Consider these takeaways from the defensive feast:

• Relentless Pressure: Beyond the 4 sacks, Rodgers was under duress on nearly every drop-back, finishing with a dismal 14.3 QBR.

• Defensive Scoring: The defense accounted for two touchdowns themselves. Will Anderson’s strip-sack led to a fumble return by Sheldon Rankins, and the night ended with a Calen Bullock pick-six on what many believe was Rodgers’ final NFL pass.

• Total Dominance: The Steelers were held to just 175 total yards, the only time in Rodgers’ storied 22-game playoff career that his team failed to reach the end zone.

As Rodgers walked off the field, the atmosphere in Pittsburgh was anything but sentimental. While Rodgers signed a one-year deal to bring "hope" to the Steel City, the reality of a 30–6 drubbing left fans frustrated.

Videos circulating from the stands show Steelers fans, which usually known for their loyalty and Terrible Towel pride, yelling at the future Hall of Famer to "Retire!" as he headed toward the tunnel. It was a cold end to a season that began with such high expectations. Even legendary broadcaster Troy Aikman noted during the telecast, "I think we are watching Aaron Rodgers' last game."

Whether Rodgers decides to hang up the cleats or search for a 22nd season elsewhere, last night proved that the Houston Texans are no longer a "feel-good story", and that DeMeco’s defense is a defensive juggernaut. They didn't just sack Rodgers four times, they might have sacked his career.

For Steelers fans, the "Rodgers Experiment" likely ends here. For the Texans, a date with the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round awaits.