The Houston Texans kicked off the post-season in style, recording a fairly comfortable 32-12 win over the LA Chargers. It was a result borne as much of the Chargers’ own making as of the Texans’ high-flying defense. In fact, the Texans scored more points on picks than the Chargers did overall. Justin Herbert had a rough night, throwing four interceptions.

After an intense week of buildup, there were heartfelt smiles on the Texans’ players being interviewed post-game. One of the star defensive performers of the night sounded a warning to AFC offenses hoping to fare better against them.

Elite Texans defense ‘stings’ the Chargers

With their QB having a cold game, the Chargers needed their rushing game to come to the party. Instead, it was the Texans’ defense having a blast on the field with their scoring efforts. They turned the field into a warzone, pegging their opponents down to just 50 rushing yards. Their chieftain on the night was cornerback Derek Stingley Jr who had two picks. It was a dominant performance that gave him the confidence to ring a warning bell to Houston’s AFC rivals. They better watch out because the Texans’ defense would “play hard, play fast” on every snap.

It was certainly a team effort, with all three units clicking into gear. CJ Stroud could rely on his offense and the special teams unit didn’t miss a beat, but the defense stole the show.  They registered four sacks, five tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits on the hapless Herbert. Their highlights included a game-defining pick-six by safety Eric Murray in the third quarter which made the score 20-6. Derek Stingley Jr also registered a 54-yard return on one of his picks. Asked about it after the game, he revealed that the secret sauce behind their performance was “Just playing together as a unit.”

That will encourage fans as the 22-year-old franchise looks to win its first-ever divisional round. They have lost on all five of their previous attempts. But if the defense lives up to that promise, perhaps this will be the year.

While CJ Stroud and the Texans can look forward to the divisional playoffs, it was a night to forget for the other talented young QB in the game. 

Justin Herbert stumbles again

Playing his fifth season, Herbert had registered career-best figures of 11 wins and just 3 INTs in the regular season. But it all went haywire for him in this crucial tie. His throws were missing the mark and his body took a beating from the incessant toll exacted by the Houston defense. Not once did they give him the breathing space to dare and attempt a QB rush.

Thus the second post-season appearance of his career, just like two seasons ago, ended at the first hurdle. The manners of the exits were rather different, though. Last time around, the Chargers threw away a 27-0 lead to lose 30-31 to a last-second FG from the Jaguars. This time, they started with a 6-0 lead before the turnovers from Herbert handed the game to the Texans. 

To his credit, Herbert put his hand up in a Mea culpa after the game. But that will be scant solace for the fans. However, if we reflect on Derek Stingley Jr’s words, a thought comes to mind. Although the blame may lie on his shoulders of Herbert for this loss, it may be unfair to write off Justin Herbert. Rather, it’s the ‘unit’ that wins and loses together.

The Chargers need improvement overall. Jim Harbaugh’s fabled return to the NFL has ended with his earliest post-season exit. He and Herbert return to the drawing board while Stingley Jr and co play hard for that divisional title.