The Houston Texans stunned the Los Angeles Chargers with a 32-12 victory during the NFL Wild Card Weekend, propelling them to the Divisional Round of the playoffs and marking another chapter of uncertainty for star quarterback Justin Herbert.
Initially, it appeared as if the Chargers would seize control of the game. They led 6-0 late in the first half, having executed two successful field goals by Cameron Dicker. Yet, the tide turned dramatically when the Texans, under quarterback C.J. Stroud, orchestrated what would become the game's turning point.
Stroud's performance was key, especially after the Texans turned the ball over on their first play of the game due to a fumble by wide receiver John Metchie. Despite this rocky start, the Texans showcased resilience, with Stroud completing 22 of 33 passes for 282 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
With just over one minute left before halftime, Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 13-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Texans from behind to take the lead at 10-6 after kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn added another field goal. This marked the beginning of 23 unanswered points from Houston, shifting the momentum completely.
The Chargers, dealing with their own pressure, had quarterback Justin Herbert under constant duress from Houston's defense. Herbert finished the game with four interceptions—one of them returned for a touchdown by Eric Murray. This was particularly shocking since he had thrown just three interceptions during the entire regular season.
Stroud's commanding play was coupled with strong performances from running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for 106 yards and contributed to the scoreline with his own 17-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter.
The highlight of the game, though, came when the Chargers' extra-point attempt following an 86-yard touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey was blocked and returned for two points by Texans cornerback D'Angelo Ross. This play marked the first defensive two-point conversion recorded during NFL playoff history, altering the game's course and making it 25-12.
Acknowledging the team's collective effort, Mixon commented, “It took everybody here, we showed up to work and we showed out. Everybody counted us out and we just put our head down and got to work, and got the dub.”
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed disappointment after the loss, saying, “We had chances, but we just couldn’t capitalize on them. Our turnovers were killer, and we need to address the turnover problems moving forward.”
The Texans seemed destined to score more after leading 20-6 by the end of the third quarter when Murray's pick-six pushed them even farther ahead. Despite Herbert's late-game attempts to stage a comeback following his interception woes, the Chargers struggled to maintain any momentum.
With less than four minutes to play, the Texans sealed their victory with another touchdown, courtesy of Mixon, as they set their eyes on the next playoff round, likely facing the Kansas City Chiefs, who also progressed from the playoffs.
C.J. Stroud's playoff victory continues to pave the way for the Texans, as he joins notable quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Ben Roethlisberger, who achieved similar success early on in their careers. Facing challenges and coming back from adversity, Stroud’s ability to handle the pressure has consistently elevated the Texans’ playoff chances.
Overall, the wild card game served as both triumph and tragedy, with the Texans basking in the glow of victory as the Chargers wrestled with their postseason exit. The divisional round promises to be thrilling, as the Texans look to build on their heated momentum.