It has been an electric week for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. A last-second victory over a familiar AFC rival punched Pittsburgh’s ticket to the postseason, igniting the kind of momentum only meaningful January football can provide. But celebration has a short shelf life in this league. Almost immediately, Tomlin’s focus shifted from survival to preparation. The Steelers are headed back into the fire, and the Houston Texans will not be a willing sacrifice.
Why would they be? DeMeco Ryans has built a culture in Houston that mirrors many of the same traits Pittsburgh prides itself on—discipline, physicality, and belief. The Texans don’t just arrive with confidence; they bring one of the NFL’s most dangerous defenses with them. And it didn’t take long for Tomlin to identify where this Wild Card matchup could be won or lost.
On Tuesday, Houston’s edge rushers were among the first topics Tomlin addressed.
“They just got a kick-butt unit,” Tomlin admitted.
“They got a top-flight edge tandem in Hunter and Anderson. We better stay out of a bunch of one-dimensional pass circumstances because if we end up in those circumstances, we’re gonna be in trouble—and that’s just the reality of it.”
That honesty is classic Tomlin. No deflection. No bravado. Just clarity.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line will face its biggest test of the year vs. the Houston Texans
And he’s absolutely right.
Danielle Hunter (15 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (12 sacks) form one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in football. Together, they combined for 27 regular-season sacks, wreaking havoc on quarterbacks who lingered too long or fell behind the chains. That kind of pressure is a nightmare scenario for any offense—especially one led by a 42-year-old veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.
Yes, Rodgers showed his toughness in Week 18, scrambling for key yards when it mattered most. But expecting him to suddenly morph into Lamar Jackson on Monday night would be malpractice. This game will not be won by improvisation alone. It will be won by structure, discipline, and protection.
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That responsibility starts up front. The Steelers’ offensive line must hold firm on the edges, preventing Hunter and Anderson from dictating the rhythm of the game. Protection buys time—but more importantly, it preserves balance. Tomlin’s warning about avoiding one-dimensional football is the blueprint. If Pittsburgh can stay ahead of the sticks, it can keep Houston guessing.
That’s where the skill players come in. Rodgers’ receivers must capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves. Fortunately, Pittsburgh ranks first in yards after catch, a statistic that speaks to effort, vision, and toughness. It also highlights the importance of Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren out of the backfield—two players capable of turning routine touches into momentum-shifting plays.
For me, the equation is simple. Protect the edges. Stay balanced. Force Houston’s defense to play honestly. If the Steelers can do that, they give themselves a real chance to extend their season.
Tomlin sees it clearly. The key to victory isn’t flashy. It’s foundational. And in January, that’s exactly how playoff games are won.