The Texans would be underdogs at home but as the higher seed in this AFC Wild Card game. Two of the best defenses in the league faced off, which team would have what it takes to advance?
The Texans’ offense would struggle, failing to get a first down on the first three drives. Houston’s defense allowed a couple of field goals early but started to get pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert near the end of the quarter, even getting fingers on a punt to help with field position. The Texans’ biggest concern would show up early, allowing a sack at the end of the first quarter, 6-0 Chargers.
Considering the time of possession discrepancy, the Texans’ defense was playing well. With 11:39 left in the second, Chargers’ cornerback Deane Leonard came down with an interception as Texans’ quarterback, CJ Stroud, started trying to force the issue. Luckily for Houston, they also have a top-tier defense, with cornerback Kamari Lassiter coming up with an interception of his own on the following drive.
Stroud scrambled away from most of them, but the Texans’ O-line continued to allow pressure and late hits on the quarterback. Near the end of the quarter, Stroud was able to throw for a couple of chunk plays, getting them to the redzone in the two-minute warning. The Texans capped off the 99-yard drive with a TD throw to wide receiver Nico Collins. With under a minute remaining in the half, Houston forced a three and out, and with good field position, quickly made their way into field goal territory. After struggling for most of the first half, Houston scored ten unanswered points in six minutes, for a four-point lead at halftime.
Stroud opened the second half with a 41-yard catch and run to Collins. Unfortunately for Houston, running back Joe Mixon fumbled the ball on the next play. The Chargers got to work, combining a throw and penalty into a 32-yard gain on the first play. The Texans defense responded again, stopping them on fourth down to negate the turnover. Houston drove the field, but after three straight flags, they found themselves in a second and 40 situation, but still managed three points, to go up 13-6. The Texans’ defense would continue to be the star, scoring a pick-six with 0:13 remaining in the third, 20-6 Houston.
The Chargers began the fourth quarter with an unfortunate interception, deflecting off the hands of the open receiver. Starting in Chargers territory, Los Angeles’ defense did their job by limiting Houston to a field goal, but the team found themselves down 23-6. Herbert would make things interesting, hitting wide receiver Ladd McConkey for an 86-yard touchdown on a third and 26. The Texans’ defense would deliver another highlight, blocking the extra point, and returning it for two points, 25-12 Texans.
The Texans O-line with arguably the best performance of the season after starting slow, fed Los Angeles with numerous run plays, milking the clock all the way to 3:42 and a Mixon TD. Down 32-12, the Chargers would try to force some passes, only to throw another interception with 2:42 remaining. The Texans forced Herbert into more interceptions in this game than he threw all season.
The Texans looked like the team they were supposed to be all season, with their O-line performing unlike it had all year. The Chargers’ defense performed well, allowing only two touchdowns, but Herbert could not figure out the Texans’ defense, going 14/32 on pass attempts. Los Angeles will look to improve their offense in the off-season, most noticeably at wide receiver, while the Texans will look to ride their hot defense, and unlikely performance from the O-line, into the next round.
Howe Fresh
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