Steelers Put On Horror Show In Houston: Reaction

PITTSBURGH, PA — How horrible were the Steelers on Sunday in their 30-6 beatdown at the hands of the Houston Texans?

They were very horrible, as sports writers from across the country were quick to note. Here's their reaction to this dreadful game:

• Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports: "Remember when everyone was picking Pittsburgh to surprise out of the AFC North in the preseason? Fun times. QB Kenny Pickett left Sunday's blowout loss to the Texans (!) due to injury, but even before that, the entire operation remained dysfunctional. Coach Mike Tomlin vowed afterward that changes will be coming, but most people could've told you weeks ago that change was overdue."

• Brooke Pryor, ESPN: "What little offensive momentum the Steelers' gained against the Raiderswas completely gone in Houston. The Steelers were shut out in the first half for the first time since 2021. There's no sugarcoating it: It was bad, and the Steelers' offense is directionless."

• Nick Shook, NFL.com: "After finally showing some signs of offensive comfort in a win over Las Vegas last week, Pittsburgh reverted to its unproductive, frustrating style of play in Week 4. On the defensive side, things were equally bad. The Steelers allowedHouston to rack up 451 yards of offense, couldn't get off the field on Texans quarterback C. J. Stroud uncomfortable. In total, the Steelers came out flat and paid for it dearly."

• Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: "Pittsburgh has to be concerned about both the health and growth rate of Kenny Pickett. After throwing for 689 yards on 6.6 yards per attempt in three games, Pickett struggled again in Houston. Against the Texans, Pickett was 9 of 14 for 35 yards and an interception in the first half, putting the Steelers in a 16–0 hole. Then, in the third quarter, Pickett was forced out with a knee injury."