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Pittsburgh Steelers fans can exhale – their team is in the playoffs,but the path forward won’t be easy.
A 44-yard missed field goal by Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop on the final play of the regular season secured their spot, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
However, making the postseason is only half the battle, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin knows this better than most.
Despite an notable 19 consecutive seasons without a losing record, playoff success has been elusive for Tomlin in recent years.
The Steelers enter the playoffs on a six-game playoff losing streak under Tomlin, with their last postseason victory coming in 2016.
Their first challenge? Hosting the Houston Texans and their formidable defense on Monday, capping off a thrilling week of playoff football.
Here’s a key question for each team as thay prepare for this crucial matchup.
Can Pittsburgh’s Quick Passing Game Neutralize Houston’s Pass Rush?
The Steelers face a important test against the Texans’ dominant defensive line, but their offensive strategy might offer a solution.
The Texans are arguably the hottest team in football, riding a nine-game winning streak to close out the regular season.
Houston hasn’t tasted defeat since November 19th, and their defense is a major reason why. Led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Will anderson Jr., the Texans allowed a league-low 277.2 yards per game this season.
pittsburgh’s offense,particularly quarterback Mason Rudolph,will need to find a way to move the ball efficiently against this stout unit. Focusing on quick passes and utilizing running backs in the short passing game, the Steelers have a viable path to moving the ball against a defense that allowed a league-low 277.2 yards per game this season. Otherwise, rodgers’ potential final NFL game could be a short one.
Can the Texans’ Offense Protect the Ball?
While the Texans’ defense has rightfully garnered attention, their offense’s ability to avoid turnovers will be crucial.
Houston’s offensive numbers this season are modest, ranking 18th in total production (327.0 yards per game), 22nd in rushing (108.9), 14th in passing (218.1), and 23rd on third down (37.2 percent).
Though, they excelled at protecting the football, with only the Chicago Bears (11) having fewer turnovers than the Texans’ 12 this season.
This ball security is a hallmark of complementary football, perfectly complementing their strong defense.
