The Houston Texans celebrated a decisive victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card playoff game, winning 32-12. All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley highlighted the team’s determination to create turnovers, which they achieved impressively, forcing four interceptions from quarterback Justin Herbert.
Stingley, who grabbed two of those interceptions, emphasized the importance of getting the ball back for the team. “We’re just going out there playing like we’ve got to get the ball to win,” he stated.
The Texans’ defense was the star of the game. In addition to Stingley’s interceptions, Eric Murray returned one for a touchdown. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud contributed with a solid performance, throwing for 282 yards and a touchdown pass to receiver Nico Collins. This marked the second consecutive year the Texans (11-7) advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs, having won their first-round game last season against Cleveland.
Despite struggles earlier in the game and trailing at points, the Texans managed to turn the tide. Stroud’s touchdown pass before halftime gave the Texans their first lead, and the defense kept pressure on Herbert throughout the matchup. Coach DeMeco Ryans praised his team’s gritty performance, saying, “Our defense, they dominated today. That’s who we want to be.”
Herbert faced a tough day, struggling under constant pressure from the Texans’ defense. He completed just 14 of 32 passes and acknowledged his mistakes. “You can’t turn over the ball like that and expect to win,” he said, taking responsibility for the team’s performance.
The Chargers (11-7), guided by first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, faced disappointment yet again in the playoffs, continuing their streak of postseason losses since 2018. Harbaugh acknowledged the Texans’ strength on the field, stating, “They were the better team today. That’s on me.”
As the Texans prepare for the next round, they are focused on advancing further than ever before in their franchise history. The energy and resilience they displayed could be key in their upcoming challenges.
