The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs. While the Steelers played plenty of quality AFC teams this season, they haven’t faced the Texans since 2023. Both teams have changed a lot since then, but some fans will remember that being an ugly game for Pittsburgh. The Steelers got blown out, losing 30-6. However, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin isn’t letting that performance impact his game plan this week.

“What happened in ’23 will have no bearing on what happens Monday,” Austin said Thursday via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Twitter.

Asked about if the Texans’ 30-6 win against the Steelers Oct. 1, 2023, can give the Steelers anything to learn from, DC Teryl Austin:
“What happened in ’23 will have no bearing on what happens Monday.”

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 8, 2026

Austin is probably right not to bog himself down too much with the Steelers’ last game against the Texans. Both teams have undergone some serious turnover. That includes changes at offensive coordinator for both of them. The Steelers went from Matt Canada to Arthur Smith, while the Texans replaced Bobby Slowik with Nick Caley.

That’s important to note because the Texans shredded the Steelers’ defense in 2023. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had a breakout performance, throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Also, wide receiver Nico Collins looked unstoppable, catching seven passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

While the Texans’ offense has been solid this year, it hasn’t been the backbone of their team. Their defense is easily their biggest strength. It ranked first in the NFL this season with a nice mix of young stars and proven veterans, such as edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

The Texans aren’t the only ones who have made some major changes since then, too. Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, and George Pickens were all major parts of the Steelers’ offense in 2023. Also, their offensive line has undergone a major overhaul since then.

The Steelers’ defense has made plenty of changes, too. Players like Larry Ogunjobi, Patrick Peterson, and Levi Wallace were key contributors in the Steelers’ last game against the Texans. Several young defensive pieces have developed well in that time, too, such as Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig, both of whom were rookies in 2023.

While that game wasn’t that long ago in the grand scheme of things, life moves fast in the NFL. A lot has happened in the two years since then. Also, that game was in Houston. This playoff battle will be in Pittsburgh, which should also make a difference. While it’s nice that the Steelers have experience against some of the Texans’ players, it’s not enough for them to get comfortable.