Within the first recreation of the NFL postseason, the Houston Texans turned the primary workforce to maneuver on, incomes a 32-12 wild-card victory over the visiting Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on Saturday.
With the win, the Texans superior to the AFC divisional spherical for a second straight season, whereas the Chargers continued their shedding methods within the postseason.
This is a take a look at the highest takeaways for every workforce.
Texans: For the primary time since early within the common season, C.J. Stroud performed like a quarterback who can lead the Texans on a deep playoff run. Stroud had suffered via a sophomore stoop after successful Offensive Rookie of the 12 months final season. Safety was a part of the issue. Stroud was sacked 52 instances in 2024 after getting sacked simply 38 instances final season. He additionally struggled to guard the soccer, ending with 12 interceptions this season after posting simply 5 picks his rookie 12 months.
In a runaway win over the hard-luck Chargers on Saturday, nevertheless, Stroud seemed poised and in control of Houston’s offense. He completed 22-of-33 for 282 yards, with a landing and an interception. With the victory, Stroud turned simply the sixth quarterback in NFL historical past to win a playoff recreation in every of his first two seasons.
Stroud was simplest when focusing on the center of the sector. Based on Subsequent Gen Stats, he completed 13-of-16 for 223 yards and a rating on in-breaking routes. Stroud’s 13-yard move for a rating to Nico Collins was the receiver’s ninth landing on an in-breaker since 2023, tied for fourth within the league.
Stroud and the Texans received steadiness on offense with operating again Joe Mixon ending with 119 scrimmage yards and a rating. And defensively, the Texans compelled 4 turnovers, deflected a punt, blocked an additional level that D’Angelo Ross returned for 2 factors, notched 4 sacks and 9 quarterback hits.
It was a dominant efficiency by DeMeco Ryans’ workforce, and what he must be most happy with is the efficiency of his quarterback. In a convention that options MVP contenders Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson — together with the reigning Tremendous Bowl MVP and the most effective participant within the recreation in Patrick Mahomes — Stroud’s glowing effort towards the Chargers exhibits that the Texans have a puncher’s probability towards the most effective groups within the AFC. After all, that is if the Ohio State product can duplicate his efficiency on the street in doubtless frigid circumstances.
“Our greatest participant stepped up and made huge performs after we wanted to win this recreation,” Ryans mentioned. “None apart from C.J. I simply wish to make certain he will get the love he deserves.”
Chargers: There isn’t any sugarcoating it: Justin Herbert had one of many worst performances of his NFL profession at completely the worst time, resulting in the Chargers circling the drain in yet one more playoff recreation. Herbert completed 14-of-32 for 242 yards, with a landing and 4 interceptions, together with one returned for a rating. Herbert’s 4 interceptions have been greater than the three he had in 16 video games through the common season.
Thought of one of the vital proficient throwers within the NFL, Herbert is now 0-2 within the postseason. Whereas new head coach Jim Harbaugh led the Chargers to an 11-6 regular-season document, he couldn’t overcome their depressing postseason historical past. Sure, Herbert performed badly, however it’s not all on him. Earlier than the season, the Chargers moved on from high receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and failed to switch them with comparable expertise. As a substitute, Harbaugh targeted on bettering the offensive and defensive traces in his first 12 months with the workforce.
This offseason, he should flip his consideration to securing extra playmakers on the perimeter to assist Herbert push the ball downfield.
Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for greater than a decade, protecting the Los Angeles Rams for Sports activities Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma Information Tribune. Observe him on Twitter at @eric_d_williams.
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