The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense was one of the big storylines entering the playoffs, as the unit has struggled early in games lately.
In fact, the Steelers began their playoff game against the Houston Texans looking to foil two different streaks, both of which showed just how slow Pittsburgh's offense started games throughout their playoff win drought.
Fortunately for the Steelers, they were able to execute a scoring drive to open Monday night's game, but it further emphasized this specific issue. Here's a look at how the Steelers' first quarter against the Texans compares to their recent past.
MORE: Live updates, highlights from Steelers vs. Texans
Steelers first quarter scoring
The Steelers collected a field goal in the first quarter against the Texans, taking a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes. However, the three highlights just how much Pittsburgh's offense has struggled in the first frame of games.
Playoff scoreless streak
Entering the game, the Steelers hadn't scored a first-quarter point in six-straight playoff games dating back to 2016. In that span, Pittsburgh was outscored 73-0 in those first quarters and lost all six of those games.
Score of Steelers games after the first quarter in their last six playoff games:
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 12, 2026
Ravens 7 Steelers 0
Bills 14 Steelers 0
Chiefs 0 Steelers 0
Browns 28 Steelers 0
Jaguars 14 Steelers 0
Patriots 10 Steelers 0 #Steelers #NFL
By scoring three points against Houston, the Steelers break that six-game streak and collect their first points in the first quarter of a playoff game since the 2016 divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs. That also happens to be the last playoff game that the Steelers won.
MORE: Inside Steelers home winning streak on 'MNF'
First-quarter points streak
In addition to the playoff streak, the Steelers have a larger first-quarter streak that has extended through multiple regular seasons. Pittsburgh hasn't scored more than seven first-quarter points in 70-straight regular-season games.
That's now 68 consecutive regular season games that the Steelers have scored 7 or fewer points in first quarter. 70 including playoff games. #Steelers #NFL #HOUvsPIT
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 13, 2026
This streak spans across multiple quarterbacks and offensive coordinators, adding mroe pain for Steelers fans.