Eric Williams
NFL reporter
In the primary sport of the NFL postseason, the Houston Texans grew to become the primary workforce to advance, incomes a 32-12 wild-card victory over the visiting Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on Saturday.
With the victory, the Texans superior to the AFC divisional spherical for the second consecutive season, whereas the Chargers continued to lose within the postseason.
Here’s a take a look at the highest takeaways for every workforce.
Texans: For the primary time because the begin of the common season, CJ Stroud performed like a quarterback able to main the Texans on a deep playoff run. Stroud had suffered a sophomore hunch after profitable Offensive Rookie of the Year final season. Protection was a part of the issue. Stroud has been sacked 52 instances in 2024 after being sacked simply 38 instances final season. He additionally struggled to guard the soccer, ending with 12 interceptions this season after throwing simply 5 picks in his rookie 12 months.
On Saturday, nevertheless, within the blowout win over the hapless Chargers, Stroud seemed poised and in control of Houston’s offense. He completed 22 of 33 for 282 yards, with one landing and one interception. With the win, Stroud grew to become the sixth quarterback in NFL historical past to win a playoff sport in every of his first two seasons.
Stroud was handiest when concentrating on the middle of the pitch. According to Next Gen Stats, he completed 13 of 16 for 223 yards and a rating on 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 discovered stability on offense with operating again Joe Mixon ending with 119 scrimmage yards and a rating. And on protection, the Texans compelled 4 turnovers, deflected a punt, blocked an additional level returned by D’Angelo Ross for 2 factors, had 4 sacks and 9 quarterback hits.
It was a dominant efficiency from DeMeco Ryans’ workforce, and what he must be most happy with is the efficiency of his quarterback. In a convention that includes MVP contenders Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson — together with reigning Super Bowl MVP and game-best participant Patrick Mahomes — Stroud’s scintillating effort in opposition to the Chargers proves the Texans have an opportunity to hit in opposition to the most effective groups within the AFC. Of course, that is if the Ohio State product can duplicate his efficiency on the street in probably frigid situations.
“Our finest participant stepped up and made huge performs after we wanted to win this sport,” Ryans stated. “None apart from CJ, I simply wish to ensure that he will get the love he deserves.”
Charger: There’s nothing sugarcoated: Justin Herbert had one of many worst performances of his NFL profession on the absolute worst time, main the Chargers to a runaway flip in one other playoff sport. Herbert completed 14 of 32 for 242 yards, with one landing and 4 interceptions, together with one returned for a rating. Herbert’s 4 interceptions had been greater than the three he had in 16 video games throughout the common season.
Considered probably the most gifted pitchers within the NFL, Herbert is now 0-2 within the postseason. Although new coach Jim Harbaugh led the Chargers to an 11-6 common season document, he couldn’t overcome their depressing postseason historical past. Yes, Herbert performed badly, but it surely’s not all all the way down to him. Before the season, the Chargers let go of prime receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and failed to switch them with comparable expertise. Instead, Harbaugh targeted on enhancing the offensive and defensive strains in his first 12 months with the workforce.
This offseason, he wants to show 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, overlaying the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN e Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on Twitter at @eric_d_williams.
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