Steelers Fans Are Going To Love What Troy Fautanu Said About Facing Texans' Will Anderson Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the choice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu 20th overall. It was viewed as a dream destination for the young prospect, who grew up a diehard Steelers fan inspired by legendary safety Troy Polamalu. Fautanu’s quick hands, explosiveness, and rare athletic traits made him a clear first-round talent, but Pittsburgh believed there was even more to unlock.

The front office saw him as the perfect cornerstone piece to help accelerate the development of its young offensive line, and when healthy, Fautanu has proven them right with his steady growth and physical presence.

Now, Fautanu finds himself in the spotlight early in his NFL career. In just his second season, the young tackle is preparing for a high-stakes postseason showdown as the Steelers host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in the Wild Card Round. If Pittsburgh wants to advance, protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be essential, especially against a fast and physical Texans defense led by superstar edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

Ahead of the matchup, Fautanu spoke with WMBS Radio and did not sound like a player overwhelmed by the moment. His comments reflected confidence, preparation, and a mindset that should excite Steeler Nation. Facing one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers on one of the biggest stages in football, Fautanu appears ready to embrace the challenge and Steelers fans are hoping it marks the beginning of a statement performance.

"Yeah, all props to him for the job he's done this year but, I feel like I just play my game, man," Fautanu said. "I just go out there and play. Be myself and good things will happen, but I am super excited for this challenge. I know he's a great player."

The Steelers believed Fautanu was made of the right stuff to be thrust into moments like this early in his career. 

Now, Fautanu is getting a prime opportunity to prove they made the right decision. He is fully ready to go up against one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushers on the biggest stage.

"A hundred percent. This is why they go and get you. They always remind me, this is why they go and get you early in the draft, right?" Fautanu said. "Just to make sure these matchups look a lot different than when those top tier pass rushers are going against most. So I'm just trying to make sure that I do my job to the best of my ability."

It’s safe to say that Fautanu isn’t backing down from the challenge.

"Yeah, I'm really excited," Fautanu said.

The NFL world watched the Texans defense take a major step forward during the 2025 season, helping them win nine straight games after many pundits counted them out following a rough start. Now, Anderson and Danielle Hunter have formed one of the scariest pass-rushing duos in the entire NFL.

Steelers Must Protect Rodgers All Game Long In Wild Card Round

Houston's ability to consistently win its assignments has allowed the Texans to blitz less and, instead, focus on letting their secondary handle key matchups within the defense. 

This unit is daunting, and the biggest concern in the game will be whether Fautanu and the rest of the offensive line can protect and give Rodgers enough time to operate. If they cannot, the playoff contest could get ugly quickly. If Fautanu rises to the challenge under the bright lights, his performance could signal the arrival of Pittsburgh’s next long-term cornerstone on the offensive line.

Do you think the Steelers can defend Houston's top- notch defensive front? Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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