Houston Texans pull off stunning comeback to secure playoff berth after rocky start
The Houston Texans have made an incredible leap into the playoff picture following a hard-fought 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. This win marks a significant turnaround for a team that began the season with an 0-3 record and later found itself at 3-5. Now, with an impressive 11-5 record, the Texans are poised to make a splash in the postseason. This remarkable resurgence is one of the most notable midseason turnarounds in recent NFL history, placing the Texans among only six teams to recover from an 0-3 start and reach the playoffs.
C.J. Stroud credits team resilience and hard work
For Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, this comeback is a testament to the collective effort and determination displayed by the entire organization. Reflecting on the season, Stroud acknowledged the contributions from everyone involved—from the ownership to the coaching staff, and down to the players. “It’s a testament to the hard work, to how we were built from top to bottom. From our ownership, to Nick Caserio, to DeMeco [Ryans], to me, Danielle [Hunter], Will [Anderson], and just how our team has built,” Stroud shared after the playoff clinch. “We’re built tough. We’re not perfect; we just try to find a way to win each week.”
Stroud’s unwavering confidence fuels team’s rise
Stroud’s confidence in the Texans never faltered, even during the team’s earlier struggles. The offense faced challenges with consistency, and late-game execution proved to be elusive in the first half of the season. Early mistakes created an uphill battle for Houston. However, as the season progressed, the Texans have rallied to secure an impressive eight-game winning streak. Their defense has emerged as one of the league’s best, while the offense has finally found its rhythm under Stroud’s leadership.
Now, with 11 victories under their belt for the first time since the 2018 season, the Texans are not just satisfied with reaching the playoffs—they aim to continue their momentum. “I was never kind of worried, just because we weren’t getting blown out by anybody. We just weren’t finishing games. And I think things are going to happen on Sundays. Like, we’re going to give up points, we’re going to turn over the ball. Like, it’s just how you respond. I think our response from, you know, that time when we were 3-5 and on, we responded to those situations better,” Stroud noted.
With their playoff spot secured, the Texans are ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead, eager to make their mark in the AFC.
