The Pittsburgh Steelers offense took to the field of NRG Stadium for the first time at the 8:55 mark of the first quarter. With quarterback Kenny Pickett under center, the Steelers recorded 13 yards in eight plays, which ended with an interception thrown to cornerback Steven Nelson.
Nelson's interception set a defensive tone that led to the Houston Texans recording a 30-6 victory over the Steelers. With Sunday's win, the Texans recorded their first home victory since December 2021.
"Our defense did a really nice job of playing the style of defense we want to play," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "It's about attacking the ball and winning the turnover battle. I loved how our guys were able to fly around and attack the ball. The most important thing, all of our guys were playing together. Everybody made plays today."
Houston's defense had a dominating performance on all three levels. Ryans credited their play to the team's continuous development. But most notably, the improved play from the linebacking corps, headlined by Christian Harris and Henry To'oTo'o.
While watching from the sideline, Ryans said Harris' and To'oTo'o's play against the Steelers gave reminiscence of their lone season together at Alabama. The tandem accounted for 20 of the Texans' 68 tackles. Harris finished with a career-best 13 tackles with six solo hits after a subpar start to his sophomore campaign.
"I was trying to do my job," Harris said. "Keeping an open communication with all of the guys on the field to make sure we were all in the same spots. The main focus for myself and everyone on the team was to execute for a win."
To'oTo'o said belief in Ryans' defensive scheme was the main intangible that led to a prominent defensive performance.
Houston's defense held the Steelers to a season-low 225 total yards. When the Texans carried a 16-0 lead into halftime, the defense held Pittsburgh to 53 yards.
The Steelers did not get inside the Texans' territory until 13:19 of the third quarter when Pickett connected with wide receiver Calvin Austin III for a 12-yard gain. The play was a part of the Steelers' most efficient drive. But instead of scoring a touchdown, Houston regrouped to hold Pittsburgh to their first of two field goals.
"We knew going into this week what type of game this was going to be," Will Anderson Jr. said. "The way we practiced this week. The energy was high. Everybody's technique was good. Coach [Ryans] said he was excited to see us eat today due to the work we put in this week. Everyone did a good job today."
Anderson said penetration and getting the quarterback off his spots were the two objectives for the defense.
The results led to the Texans sacking Pickett three times while holding wide receiver George Pickens to a season-low of 25 yards on three catches. Jon Greenard recorded a team-best two sacks, while Jerry Hughes Jr. accounted for one.
Houston's play on the defensive side of the ball was fitting, given that the Texans inducted three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt into the Ring of Honor.
Before the game, Watt said he was excited for the future of the Texans. And the new generation put on a show in front of a Texans alumnus, whose interception in 2011 led to the first post-season victory in franchise history.
"We were all brought here for a reason," To'oTo'o said. "We are here to make an impact in every way possible. We are finding different ways to get the job done. We are trying as a whole group."
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