The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended abruptly Monday night with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium.
As the Steel City processed the disappointment of an early exit, Houston media outlets and fans zeroed in on what they saw as a dominant performance by the Texans’ defense.
A headline in the Houston Chronicle said the Texans’ “dominant defense shows why it’s the best in overpowering playoff win over Steelers.”
“They sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers four times, forced two fumbles, intercepted him once, held him to a 51.5% completion percentage,” writer Jonathan Alexander said. “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.”
Another headline in the Battle Red Blog slammed Rodgers: “The Texans defense smothers another future Hall of Fame quarterback.”
“The biggest play of the night came when Sheldon Rankins took an Aaron Rodgers strip sack the distance for a defensive score. That score made it 17-6 and completely changed the tenor of the game,” wrote Scott Barzilla.
Comments from Texans fans on Battle Red Blog’s live game thread also did not hold back in ripping Rodgers apart.
“Shirley Aaron Rodgers can’t end his CAREER on a pick 6, can he?,” said one user.
“Aaron Rodgers retirement party,” another said.
Fans also celebrated Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk, who blogger Barzilla referred to as a “ghost for most of the season,” in his game recap on Battle Red Blog.
“CHRISTIAN KIRK HAVING THE NIGHT OF HIS LIFE!!! That might be the game!,” a user wrote.
“CHRISTIAN KIRK is putting this offense on his shoulders! Let’s go!,” another said.
But not everyone was impressed with how the Texans played.
A Facebook post from Houston SportsRadio 610 read, “Like several other games this season, this wasn’t a pretty a game for Houston. The Texans turned it over three times and missed several opportunities at explosive plays. But their defense was as good as advertised.”
SportsRadio 610’s Sean Pendergast compared Kirk and wide receiver DK Metcalf in his post-game recap.
“Kirk has had his moments this regular season, but it wasn’t a high volume production season for him. However, tonight, a playoff primetime performer, deluxe — eight catches, 144 yards and a touchdown to lead everybody in comparison,” Pendergast said. “DK Metcalf came back after a two-game suspension was held to two catches.”
