Texans Record Second Consecutive Win In Home Victory Over Steelers

Amid an AFC battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Houston Texans will try to win their first home game at NRG Stadium since December 2021.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to NRG Stadium for a Week 4 contest.

The Texans are aiming to win their second consecutive game following a 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 24, but more importantly, their first home victory since Dec. 26, 2021.

Despite an injury-riddled offensive line, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is hoping to sustain his hot start against a defense featuring Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt.

"I have trust and faith in my guys, and my job is to get the ball out on time and do whatever it takes to execute," Stroud said. "He’s a great player – both 90 [T.J. Watt] and 56 [Alex Highsmith] – definitely two dogs.

"You have to be aware of them, but at the same time, we have to have confidence in what we’re doing. They have to play us, too. We’re not just going to lay down and just submit because he’s the best player. We’re really good players on this side, too. Looking forward to competing against those guys, but I’ve got to do my part which is just playing clean."

WHAT: Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) at Houston Texans (1-2)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas (71,995)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, 12 p.m. CT

TELEVISION: CBS / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) | 100.3 The Bull

Get your tickets at SI Tickets

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Texans +2.5

TOTAL: 41.5

MONEYLINE: Steelers -150, Texans +125

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.

1st Quarter: 

The Texans received the ball first and opened the game with Stroud connecting with wide receiver Nico Collins for a two-yard touchdown. Stroud's pass attempt ended a drive where the Texans held the ball for 6:05. 

Houston recorded two touchdowns during the opening drive but each attempt was called back.

Texans 7, Steelers 0

The Texans had an impressive start on the defensive side. With the ball on their own 40, defensive end Jerry Hughes recorded an eight-yard sack on quarterback Kenny Pickett. On the next play, cornerback Steven Nelson picked off Pickett for his second interception of the season. 

Turnover

The Texans could not capitalize on Nelson's interception with a touchdown. But Houston's latest series ended with a 36-yard field goal made by Ka'imi Fairbairn. 

Texans 10, Steelers 0

Three and out for the Steelers. 

Punt

End of 1st: 

2nd Quarter

On the second play of the Texans' latest drive, Stroud connected with Dalton Schultz for a 29-yard gain. It was the only play where Houston recorded a first down. Stroud's pass attempt to Schultz led to a 38-yard field goal.

Texans 13, Steelers 0

Three and out for the Steelers. 

Punt

The Texans' latest drive was similar to their previous series. Stroud connected with running back Devin Singletary for 11 yards. Houston got to the Steelers' 28-yard line, where they failed to convert on 4th down.

Turnover on down

The Steelers continued their offensive struggles by recording 21 yards in five plays. 

Punt

Outside of a 22-yard gain between Stroud and wide receiver John Metchie III, the Texans had their least efficient drive of the first half.

Punt

Due to a pass interference call, the Steelers recorded 25 yards in five plays during their final drive of the first half.

Punt

During Houston's final series of the first half, the Texans recorded 57 yards in five plays. Houston ended the half with a 39-yard field goal.

Texans 16, Steelers 0

Halftime

3rd Quarter:

The Steelers opened the second half with running back Najee Harris rushing for 19 yards on two attempts. Harris helped the Steelers record 60 yards in nine plays. Pittsburgh recorded its first points with a 35-yard field goal. 

Texans 16, Steelers 3

Three and out for the Texans

Punt

The Steelers recorded 41 yards in six plays during their latest drive. Despite making their way to the Texans' five-yard line, Houston's defense held Pittsburgh to a 23-yard field goal.

Texans 16, Steelers 6

Outside of a 16-yard gain, the Texans had another inefficient drive. 

Punt

The Steelers tried to sustain their offensive rhythm, but the Texans had three consecutive stops to force Pittsburgh into a turnover on down. Defensive end Jon Greenard ended the drive with his second sack on Pickett, who went down with a lower leg injury.

End of 3rd

4th Quarter:

The Texans recorded their first touchdown of the second half, with tight end Dalton Schultz connecting with Devin Singletary. Houston recorded 58 yards in 10 plays during their latest drive.

Texans 23, Steelers 6

Three and out for the Steelers. 

Punt

The Texans recorded 86 yards in 11 plays, which ended with Stroud connecting with Collins for a 52-yard touchdown. 

Texans 30, Steelers 6

End of Game