DeMeco Ryans made it clear that the Houston Texans face a “challenge” in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against his counterpart, Mike Tomlin, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Texans had to wait until the conclusion of Week 18 to find out where they would be traveling and who they would face in the opening round of the playoffs, and they ended up as one of the most experienced groups (in terms of postseason play) in the conference.
Unfortunately for the Texans, so are the Steelers.
DeMeco Ryans Praises Mike Tomlin Before Steelers Host Texans
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts against the Baltimore Ravens.
Ryans is in his third season as the Texans’ head coach. Tomlin is in Year 19 and has made the playoffs in 12 of those seasons.
“Kept in touch with Mike, get together throughout the owners meetings every day. And [he has always been], just always very complimentary in what we’re doing here. Just always positive,” Ryans told reporters on January 5.
“Always positive, always great encouragement from a guy who’s done it at a level that everybody seeks to do. You’ve had 20 years of winning seasons. Not many people can do that, and he’s done it. He’s stuck around at one place. Probably the longest-tenured head coach right now in the NFL. For a reason: because he knows how to win.”
The Texans have played in five postseason games under Ryans the past three seasons.
Only the Buffalo Bills have played in more playoff games in the AFC since Ryans took over the Texans’ HC post, per Stathead.
The Steelers rank fourth, two wins back of the Texans and one behind the Baltimore Ravens, whom they defeated for the AFC North title and a playoff berth in Week 18. Ryans and the Texans defeated Tomlin’s Steelers during the 2023 season 30-6 in Week 4.
Texans Face ‘Big Challenge’
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite Ryans and the Texans’ success in their limited exposure to Tomlin and the Steelers, the former linebacker is not taking the test lightly. He noted how big a factor playing on the road can be for visiting teams.
He lamented that the Texans will not have that benefit this postseason. This is the first year the Texans have ever been a wildcard team during Ryans’ tenure.
“It’s a big challenge. Big challenge on Monday night versus the Steelers, and we’re excited about it–versus a really tough crowd. And you know they’re gonna be loud, and it’s gotta be a really great environment, cool environment for our guys. We haven’t seen that before. It’s gonna be a really great environment for them to witness.”
The Texans need one of their fellow lower seeds to pull off an upset to host a playoff game.
The Texans must defeat the Steelers before they can concern themselves with potentially hosting a game in the Divisional Round. Both teams are different in many key regards compared to their last encounter.
Texans a Potentially Bad Matchup for Aaron Rodgers
GettyAaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before facing the Cleveland Browns.
Pittsburgh gets wide receiver DK Metcalf back from a two-game suspension this week. They also have Aaron Rodgers, one of the best to ever play the position, at quarterback.
However, Rodgers may not be an advantage for the Steelers, but rather a liability.
“The last time Aaron Rodgers played in the playoffs, he faced a DeMeco Ryans defense with the 49ers,” ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime posted on X on January 5. “Rodgers was sacked 5 times, threw zero touchdowns. 49ers allowed only 10 points.”
Aime noted the 49ers won that game 13-10, an encouraging reminder for Ryans’ Texans heading into a win-or-go-home situation.
DeMeco Ryans Offers Strong Take on Mike Tomlin Before Texans Visit Steelers