The Houston Texans are gearing up with renewed confidence ahead of their Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A significant boost comes from the return of right tackle Trent Brown, who has been cleared from the injury report. Brown missed the final two regular-season games due to knee and ankle injuries but is ready to contribute to a historic playoff run.
Trent Brown’s Return: A Boost for the Texans
Trent Brown, in his first season with the Texans, emphasized his commitment to playing despite not being at full strength. “I’m playing,” he stated, reflecting the determination common among players at this stage of the season. With the Texans aiming for their first road playoff victory, Brown’s presence on the offensive line is crucial.
Positive Impact on C.J. Stroud
During Brown’s time on the field, the Texans’ quarterback, C.J. Stroud, has seen improvements. His sack rate has decreased significantly from 8.9% to 5.16%. Over the last four weeks of the regular season, Stroud has been sacked only once, a testament to the line’s effectiveness during Brown’s previous healthy games.
A Confident Texans Team
The Texans are riding high on a nine-game winning streak, instilling confidence in the team heading into the playoffs. Brown highlighted their focused preparation as they face a formidable Steelers defense. “Everybody’s locked in,” he said, emphasizing the need for concentration amidst the game’s inherent challenges.
- T.J. Watt: Known for his Defensive Player of the Year accolades.
- Other Key Defenders: Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Keaanu Benton—each with at least five sacks this season.
Despite the known threats from the Steelers’ defense, Brown and his teammates remain resolute. They respect their opponents while preparing to challenge a well-rounded, All-Pro defensive crew. This matchup will test the capabilities of the Texans’ offensive line against Pittsburgh’s elite rushers.
