The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Texans defense rolls over Steelers, leads team to Divisional Round
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Jan 13, 2026 The Houston Texans' defense steals the spotlight with a commanding 30-6 victory over the Steelers in the Wild Card Round. Advanced metrics reveal it as one of the best playoff defensive performances ever. The hosts delve into how Houston effectively shut down Pittsburgh’s passing game and discuss standout individual plays. Meanwhile, they analyze CJ Stroud’s rollercoaster game, balancing brilliance with critical mistakes. Looking ahead, the debate heats up: can this Texans team make a run for the Super Bowl?
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Defense Dominated By The Numbers
- The Texans defense delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances in the past decade by several advanced metrics.
- That defense can single-handedly reshape Houston's Super Bowl outlook if it sustains this level of play.
Offense Showed Promising Run-PlayAction Mix
- The Texans offense showed encouraging downhill rushing and play-action balance despite three alarming turnovers by CJ Stroud.
- Sustained offensive competence plus elite defense would make Houston a genuinely dangerous playoff team.
Iconic Strip-Sack Turned Defensive TD
- The touchdown after the strip-sack unfolded with Will Anderson winning around the corner and Sheldon Rankins scooping the ball and walking in.
- Robert Mays called it one of the most "f*** you" defensive touchdowns he's ever seen.