Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith Facing Intriguing Challenge Against Houston Texans

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an emotional victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, but now they will have to quickly shift their focus to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 NFL postseason. The Texans defense will present a big challenge for the Steelers, as they have the league's number one unit, a reason many think the Texans will go on a deep postseason run. The Steelers will see the return of their number one wide receiver DK Metcalf. However, they will have to find a way to get the ball to him against a strong Houston front.

One challenge Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will face is the Houston defensive front, that can dominate the line of scrimmage against any offensive line. In his weekly chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the Houston defensive line and provided some answers as to how the Steelers can counteract that challenge that the Texans present. 

"Honestly, that hasn't been something the Steelers have hunted all season. If they know the other team has a strong pass rush, they try to get the ball out ASAP rather than take chances on being sacked because they want to take a few deep shots," Fittipaldo said. "Their counter is throw short and run long. Now, if the opportunity presents itself with play-action, then yeah maybe they'll try to take a shot, but it will be in a spot when the Houston front is concerned with stopping the run."

The Steelers have a dynamic backfield on offense in Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, who both have combined to give the Steelers a great tandem in their offensive backfield in the 2025 season. Warren tallied 66 yards on the ground Sunday night against Baltimore for a 4.7 yards per carry clip, while Gainwell was more significant in the passing game going for 64 yards on eight catches. This is not an uncommon theme for the Steelers' offense with these two in the backfield this season. 

Steelers' Gameplan Is To Likely Give Aaron Rodgers A Chance To Throw Downfield

Fittipaldo makes a great point, as the Steelers would benefit from establishing the run early on. This can then allow quarterback Aaron Rodgers to go to his number one target in Metcalf against the Texans and find ways to get the ball down the field in intermediate and deep routes. The return of Metcalf provides much intrigue as well, as his last game was on December 21st, meaning his return Monday comes a little over three weeks since he played before serving a two-game suspension. Metcalf also spoke with reporters on Monday in his first interview with the media since his suspension.

Metcalf's return presents an interesting age-old debate of rest versus rust. While Metcalf could come out fresh and look well-rested, there is also the possibility he shows signs of rust following his time sidelined. Regardless of which side Metcalf falls on, he adds a more dynamic element to the Steelers' passing game and will draw attention that opens up others for Rodgers. In order for that passing game to be available for Rodgers, Warren will need to be the forceful power running back he has been on the ground for the Steelers. Doing so will effectively provide the Steelers the chance to open up play-action as Fittipaldo eluded to.

Arthur Smith is in his second season as the Steelers' offensive coordinator and Monday will be his second playoff game in that time. While Smith does face an incredible defense in Houston, he has the right leader at quarterback heading into this year's postseason in Rodgers. With the return of Metcalf and Rodgers' veteran experience as a signal-caller, the Steelers will have a chance to end a long playoff drought on Monday and they get to do so in front of their home crowd.

Do you think the Steelers should look to establish the run early on against the Texans to open up play-action for Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!

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