The Houston Texans defense took over in a game vs Chargers QB Justin Herbert, intercepting him three times, and the Texans earned their second playoff win in consecutive seasons under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Houston's offense, led by QB CJ Stroud, did just enough to put the team into scoring positions, but it was Ryans' defense that came up big, with an Eric Murray pick-6 which made the score 20-6 at the start of the 4th quarter. On the ensuing Chargers possession, All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr intercepted Herbert to set up a Texans field goal. Kamari Lassiter also intercepted Herbert, while Stingley added a fourth interception in the final minutes.
The Texans pass rush wreaked havoc with Will Anderson Jr, Mario Edwards and Denico Autry getting sacks.
The Chargers did fight back, with Herbert hitting Ladd McConkey on a long 86-yard touchdown pass, but the Texans would block the PAT and return it the other way to take a 25-12 lead.
Next up, we will see who the Texans next opponent will be. If both other AFC favorites win, the Texans would head to Kansas City.
Photo: Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Photo: Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images