Houston Texans – Los Angeles Chargers: 32-12
At the end of a disjointed match, where the attacks accumulated errors, the Texans won their ticket for the next round. Led by an iron defense, they put Justin Herbert through an ordeal.
Jim Harbaugh, national champion with Michigan a year ago in this same stadium, failed to return a match that slowly but surely escaped his team.
The key moment: Murray’s pick 6
While the two teams are still neck and neck and unable to advance thanks to their attack, Eric Murray's interception returned for a touchdown at the end of the 3rd quarter was the turning point of the match. The Texans not only made the first break but also and above all took the momentum.
The MVP: Houston's defense
If the adage says that defenses win championships, the Texans demonstrated it tonight. Switched to playoff mode, DeMeco Ryans' men were unplayable. Whether it was the defensive line which harassed Justin Herbert from start to finish or the final curtain which stole the ball four times, they carried their team and greatly helped an uninspired attack.
The flop: Justin Herbert
Returning in great shape during the regular season, Justin Herbert exited the playoffs through the back door. With 4 interceptions thrown, he has done worse in a single game than in the previous 17 games. But beyond the lost balls, Herbert never gave the feeling of being in his match. Under constant pressure, he never found the solutions. He returned a disappointing record of 14/32, 242 yards, 1 TD, 4 interceptions.
The stat: 7
This is the number of turnovers accumulated in the match. 3 Texans side, 4 Chargers side. The inability of Jim Harbaugh's men to improve on these stolen balls was sorely lacking. We can even add an 8th stolen ball with the blocked extra point which was returned in the end zone, bringing 2 more points to Houston's pocket.
Film of the match
The Chargers offense started the game at a slow trot. Effectively alternating passes and runs. It's almost surprising that they only came away with a field goal. And soon a second. On their first play of the match, the Texans lost the lead on a fumble by John Metchie. LA improves with a 2nd field goal.
But at the start of the match, the defenses have the upper hand. The punts keep coming, the quarterbacks are under pressure, the running plays are slow, and the cornerbacks are stealing balls. If the throws are more than doubtful, Deane Leonard first for the Chargers, then Kamari Lassiter on the following play for Houston make the move needed for the turnover. We had to wait until the last two minutes of the first half to finally see Stroud make a nice shot. An awakening which is confirmed with a sequence of passes which brings the Texans into the end zone. Nico Collins completes a 99-yard drive. They have the same to add 3 more points after a quick defensive stop.
Houston's offensive setbacks are not over yet. As soon as the restart, Mixon loses the ball and gives the Chargers possession. But the defense is keeping watch. Impervious against the run, it also harasses the quarterback and completely blocks Los Angeles. And Herbert is far from having a great night. A bad throw to McConkey and Eric Murray intercepts it and returns it for a touchdown. Four games later again. This time it's more of a hand fault on the part of his target. Stingley recovers and climbs 54 yars. Herbert, who had only thrown 3 interceptions during the season, equaled his total in just over 3 quarters.
The Chargers think they have hope by limiting Houston to a field goal and finally scoring just behind by McConkey. But that's without counting on an extra point blocked and returned by Houston in the end zone to add 2 points. Behind, the Texans managed their end of the match perfectly. Mixon does most of the work by moving the chains and turning the clock. He even finishes off his opponents with a rush for a touchdown. One last interception for the road, and the Texans will play the divisional round next weekend.
And now ?
The hardest part begins for the Texans. Arriving at the same stage as last season, they will inevitably appear as outsiders against the behemoths of the conference, including the double reigning champion whom they could meet depending on the top seeds.
For the Chargers, year 1 of the Jim Harbaugh era nevertheless remains a success. We must keep the foundations laid and continue to build around Justin Herbert, whose casting around remains far too light.
