Aaron Rodgers, Steelers' offense sputter in lopsided wild-card loss to Texans

Noah Hiles, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jan 12, 2026

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — In recent years, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has struggled to perform in the postseason. That wasn’t the case Monday night, but it didn’t matter. A dreadful showing from the offense was too much to overcome, ultimately resulting in a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium.

The defeat in the wild-card round marked the seventh straight postseason loss for Mike Tomlin’s team. Disgruntled Steelers fans chanted “Fire Tomlin” and booed the offense in the final moments of the loss.

Back from a two-game suspension, DK Metcalf helped the Steelers draw first blood, snagging a 25-yard reception and drawing a pass interference call the following play to put his team in field goal range. Chris Boswell took full advantage of the opportunity, nailing a 32-yard kick to give Pittsburgh a 3-0 advantage with 6:02 remaining in the first quarter.

A strip-sack from rookie Jack Sawyer gave the Steelers a chance to extend their lead before the end of the first quarter, setting the Steelers up at their own 44. But despite favorable field position, Aaron Rodgers and the offense failed to capitalize, resulting in a punt following their first three-and-out of the evening.

The Texans responded well from the turnover, marching 92 yards their next possession to take a 7-3 lead. That 14-play drive was capped off by a six-yard touchdown pass from Texans quaterback CJ Stroud to Christian Kirk with 8:28 left in the half.

A second fumble from Stroud allowed the Steelers to cut Houston’s lead to a point with 1:57 left in the half. Keeanu Benton knocked the ball loose and T.J. Watt made the recovery on the Texans’ 21-yard-line.

A struggling Steelers offense attempted to push for a go-ahead touchdown early on that possession, successfully converting a fourth-and-2 to set up a first down from the Houston 10. But a third-down sack stalled the drive, resulting in Boswell’s second field goal of the game, this one from 35 yards. The Texans took a 7-6 lead into the half.

Stroud’s turnover woes continued early in the third quarter, as an interception by Brandin Echols stalled a drive deep into Steelers territory. But Arthur Smith’s offense remained flat, advancing just 23 yards over nine plays before punting the ball away.

Ka’imi Fairbairn added three more points to Houston’s total on a 51-yard field goal with 13:07 remaining. The Texans’ defense then sealed the Steelers’ fate the following possession, as Sheldon Rankins returned a fumble 33-yards for a touchdown to make the score 17-6.

Woody Marks put the final nail in the coffin with a 13-yard touchdown rush with 3:38 left. A dejected majority of the Steeler faithful made their way to the exits as Fairbairn’s extra point split the uprights, making the score 24-6.

Calen Bullock helped Houston pour things on even more the following possession, returning a Rodgers interception 50 yards for Houston’s second defensive score.

It was over when

Rankins hustled his 6-foot-2, 305-pound frame 33 yards to give Houston its first two-score lead of the night. Will Anderson made the play possible, sacking Rodgers on third-and-12. The sack was Houston’s third of the evening. Matt Burke’s unit produced one more before the game concluded.

Player of the game

Rankins: In a game where few offensive players shined, Rankins had the best showing among many defensive standouts, tallying 1 1/2 sacks along with a back breaking scoop-and-score.

Trending up

Joey Porter Jr.: Porter was solid from start to finish, breaking up multiple passes and tallying quick tackles the few times he allowed a reception. On a night for fans to forget, he delivered one of the best performances among the entire defense.

Trending down

Jonnu Smith: While Metcalf could’ve easily received this title, he at least provided some production in the opening quarter. The same couldn’t be said for Smith, who looked absolutely lost at times Monday evening. Viewed to be a key acquisition this past offseason, his first year as a Steeler was a disappointment.

Up next

The Steelers head into yet another offseason with many questions to answer. The big decisions start with the future of coach Mike Tomlin, who has not led his team to a playoff win since the 2016 season. The quarterback position will also be a major area of focus, as Rodgers is set to become a free agent at age 42.

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