The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to begin their postseason campaign on Monday night, facing the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round at Acrisure Stadium. This marks the first postseason meeting between the two teams and only their eighth overall encounter, with the Steelers currently leading the series 5-3.
The Texans arrive in Pittsburgh on a nine-game winning streak after finishing second in the AFC South. The game will feature strong defensive units from both sides. Houston is led by third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, while Pittsburgh relies on veteran Aaron Rodgers, who is in his 21st NFL season.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about preparing for the Steelers and expressed respect for his counterpart: “We’re excited for the matchup vs. Steelers. Really great team. Nothing but a ton of respect for Coach (Mike) Tomlin and the success that he’s had in the league, how he’s done it for such a long time. He’s a guy who I’ve definitely always looked up to, always respected. He always has his team ready to go, well-coached, physical outfit.
“They’re going to play tough. It was cool to see how they won that game (vs. Baltimore). Pure will, determination, found a way to win. Had things go their way.
“Aaron’s (Rodgers) done a good job there at the quarterback position. Defense has always played tough. So, we’re excited about the opportunity.”
Ryans commented further on Rodgers’ experience: “Aaron, he’s done it at a high level for a long time. He’s probably one of the smartest quarterbacks to play the game. Does a really good job, understands defenses really well.
“But, for us, that doesn’t change. We’ve got to go out. It’s about the guys that are playing. It’s about our guys playing together collectively, going against a really good opponent.”
On his relationship with Mike Tomlin: “I’ve always kept in touch with Mike. We get together throughout the owner’s meetings and everything. He’s always very complimentary of what we’re doing here, always positive.
“That’s the thing I say, always positive, always great encouragement from a guy who’s done it at a level that everybody would seek to do it. You’ve had over 20 years of winning seasons. Not many people can do that. He’s done it.
“He’s stuck around at one place, probably the longest tenured head coach right now in the NFL for a reason, because he knows how to win.”
Discussing Pittsburgh’s pass rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith: “Can’t wait. Great pass rush, both guys. T.J. Watt, one of the all-time sack leaders in the NFL for a reason… Also, (Alex) Highsmith… he doesn’t get enough credit… So you want to play good defense you have to have two good pass rushers and they have that.”
Quarterback C.J Stroud also weighed in: “They rush together… They’re getting chips and things like that… I have a lot of respect for Highsmith and Watt and their interior guys… I think their whole defensive line is heartbeat of their team…
“Then you’ve got Patrick Queen… Then Jalen (Ramsey), leading… in back end…
“I think overall they’ve done a really good job… Up front I respect them to high standard and how Mike (Tomlin) coaches those guys as well.”
Ryans emphasized Houston’s own pass rush as key against Pittsburgh: “For us and how we play defense all year it’s really predicated on how we get after passer that’s starting with Will (Anderson Jr.) and Danielle (Hunter)… That’ll be really important this week as well…
“How can we disrupt passer as much as possible…”
On playoff home field advantage versus playing away: “When you’re in playoffs… you always would love to be in front of your home crowd…. We don’t have luxury of having that this year…. You still have find way figure it out find way win football games…. Big challenge on Monday night vs Steelers…. We’re excited about it vs really tough crowd…”
Stroud reflected on facing Rodgers: “I’m big fan of Aaron…. He’s been heck of player…. I think he’s top three quarterback ever touch football…. His mechanics are through roof….
“This will be my second time facing him…. I’m not going rooting for him Monday night but I think he’s heck player…”
Ryans also discussed Pittsburgh’s running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell: “…when you first pop on film watching Steelers thing jumps out most is running back position…. They make productive plays off catching ball behind line scrimmage…”
On DK Metcalf’s role: “Metcalf gives them their full offense… He lines up as an outside receiver… He does an outstanding job…he’s physical receiver whether he’s running go ball slants whatever…”
Pittsburgh continues its tradition-rich legacy within professional football history; since its founding by Arthur J Rooney Sr., it has claimed six Super Bowl championships according to its official website. The franchise maintains headquarters at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, where fans can visit historical exhibits celebrating figures like Terry Bradshaw or Joe Greene via initiatives such as their Hall of Honor program.
Fans can watch live local games using NFL+ streaming services.
