Steelers vs. Texans Week 16: 1st quarter in-game update

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans squared off in Week 16, and there was more on the line for Pittsburgh than giving their global fan base a wonderful Christmas gift.

After the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Eve, it would take just a Pittsburgh win to clinch a first round bye, and at worst the second seed in the AFC Playoffs.

Pittsburgh lost the opening coin toss, and the Texans elected to refer to the second half, but it didn’t take long for the Steelers to make a statement in the game. Their first four plays resulted of gains of 10-yards, or more, and they moved easily into the Houston red-zone. However, the Houston defense stood tall when they needed to, and forced a Chris Boswell field goal to give Pittsburgh an early 3-0 lead.

Keith Butler’s defense forced a quick three-and-out for the T.J. Yates-led offense, and it provided great field position for the Pittsburgh offense. In their second possession of the game, a huge pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Martavis Bryant set up the offense in the red-zone.

Three plays later Roethlisberger hit Justin Hunter for his first touchdown of the season, and the first touchdown of the game. Boswell’s point-after made the score 10-0.

The Steelers offense has the football, and a third down, upcoming.