The final game of Monday’s wild card weekend was expected to be a low-scoring affair and it was that way for three quarters, with Houston leading 7-6.
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The Texans then clearly charged for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, two of them scored by their league-leading defense.
That spelled a grim end for Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers in what could be the final game of the 42-year-old’s illustrious career.
After joining the Steelers on a one-year deal, the four-time NFL MVP has said this could be his last season.
And Pittsburgh is now out of the play-offs with Houston, fifth seed in the AFC, securing a trip to the New England Patriots next Sunday.
Why this could be the end for Rodgers
Houston’s pass rush has wreaked havoc this season, helping the Texans to a 12-5 record and a third straight playoff appearance.
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And they gave Rodgers a torrid time in his 23rd playoff appearance and first in four years.
The one-time Super Bowl winner failed to get the Steelers’ offense going, although his defense also made life difficult for Houston quarterback CJ Stroud.
They forced the first three turnovers of the game (two on Stroud fumbles, plus an interception), but the best Pittsburgh could muster on the next few possessions was a lone field goal.
That made the halftime score 7-6, with Christian Kirk scoring a touchdown for Houston, before their defensive pressure paid off in the fourth quarter.
Rodgers fumbled after being sacked by Will Anderson and Sheldon Rankins recovered the fumble for a 33-yard touchdown.
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Woody Marks then reached the end zone on a 13-yard run and four plays later, Rodgers was intercepted by Calen Bullock, who returned it for a 50-yard touchdown.
Rodgers has the best passer rating (102.2) and interception rate (1.4%) of all time, so finishing with a pick-six and a 50.8 passer rating would be far from a fitting sendoff.
The Steelers are believed to be open to welcoming Rodgers back for what would be a 22nd NFL season, but speaking after Monday’s game, he said he would now “get away and have the right kind of conversations.”
“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers added. “It’s been a fun year, so it’s disappointing to be sitting here with the season over.”
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While Houston has raised its hopes of reaching its first Super Bowl, Rodgers must contemplate ending his career with just one appearance in the NFL championship game.
That happened in 2011, when Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to victory over Pittsburgh, but he and the Steelers have yet to return to the big game.
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin could also be ready for a change, as the Steelers have lost their last seven play-off games and it has been nine years since their last postseason victory.
What is the schedule for the Divisional Round?
Start times GMT; Conference seed in parentheses
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Saturday, January 17
Buffalo Bills (6) @ Denver Broncos (1) – 9:30 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers (6) @ Seattle Seahawks (1) – 01:00 (Sunday)
Sunday, January 18
Houston Texans (5) @ New England Patriots (2) – 8:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Chicago Bears (2) – 23:30
