Welcome to the playoffs, Houston Texans, and beware, any team that may have the misfortune of facing this defense. The Texans (11-5) are postseason-bound after a 20-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5).
Houston, which has won eight straight games, terrorized Justin Herbert and an overmatched Chargers offensive line all game. Herbert took five sacks and plenty more hits, and the Texans’ offense did just enough after a fast start. Chargers Pro Bowl kicker Cameron Dicker missed an extra point and a short field goal, both of which loomed large.
The Texans’ win also eliminated the Indianapolis Colts from postseason contention and secured the AFC West for the Denver Broncos.
On the Texans’ third play, C.J. Stroud lofted a perfect deep ball to rookie Jayden Higgins, who ran past a completely busted Chargers coverage for a 75-yard touchdown reception, the longest by a rookie in franchise history.
After a quick Los Angeles three and out, the Texans got the ball back and needed just four plays to score again, this time a 43-yarder from Stroud to his other rookie wide receiver out of Iowa State, Jaylin Noel.
The Chargers defense started to make amends in the second quarter. Derwin James picked off Stroud and the offense was able to turn that into a field goal.
The Chargers got another terrific chance ahead of halftime when Herbert launched a majestic 60-yard completion to Quentin Johnston. But on the very next play, Herbert’s pass to Oronde Gadsden II bounced off the tight end’s hands, and Azeez Al-Shaair caught the redirect.
Another Stroud interception set up Los Angeles for more points just before the half, but Dicker missed a 32-yarder. He had never missed inside 40 yards in his NFL career prior to that.
The Texans’ offense continued its slog in the second half, but by the time the Chargers got rolling — and Herbert tried desperately to play hero — it proved too little, too late. After a Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal, Herbert found Oronde Gadsden II for a touchdown to make it 17-10. After another Fairborn field goal, Herbert led a second touchdown drive, this one concluding in a short Omarion Hampton run with under four minutes left.
It wasn’t enough. The Texans converted three first downs — one on a throw to Nico Collins, one on a controversial call and one on a Woody Marks run — to clinch it.