HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans have turned a significant corner, finally overcoming a long-standing rival with their recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, marking a major boost to their playoff aspirations.
The task remains daunting if they aim to capture the AFC South title for a third consecutive season, especially after a rocky start with an 0-3 record. Currently at 8-5, the Texans are riding high on a five-game winning streak that has brought them within striking distance of first place, currently held by Jacksonville at 9-4.
This latest win was fueled by a dominant defensive effort and standout plays from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Ending a disheartening streak of five consecutive losses against the Chiefs, which included a crushing defeat in last season’s divisional playoffs, this win was monumental.
Houston’s defense managed to put pressure on Patrick Mahomes, leading to one of the worst performances of his illustrious career. Mahomes completed 14 of 33 passes for a season-low 160 yards, with no touchdowns and a career-high-tying three interceptions. This marked the first time in nine NFL seasons that he threw multiple interceptions without a touchdown and struggled to complete even half of his passes.
Coach DeMeco Ryans praised the relentless effort of his entire defensive unit throughout the contest.
“We have a confident group on defense,” he stated. “No matter what the situation was or when they were on the field, those guys knew they were capable of making plays. That’s the mindset you have to have. Confidence and swagger are essential, and that’s how they’re performing right now, establishing themselves as one of the best defenses in the league.”
The Texans succeeded in limiting the Chiefs to just 10 points, their fewest scoring output of the season and the lowest during Mahomes’ tenure as a starter at home. Houston currently leads the NFL by allowing an average of only 16 points per game. Remarkably, they have held opponents to fewer than 20 points in 11 games this season, which is the most in the league.
This defensive strength allowed the Texans to withstand a tough stretch of offensive struggles during the second half. Stroud experienced eight consecutive incompletions, and Houston punted five times in a row at the start of the second half, managing only 17 total yards during that period.
However, the Texans’ offense found its rhythm again when Kansas City failed to convert a fourth-and-1 attempt, granting Houston possession at the Chiefs’ 31-yard line with nearly 10 minutes remaining. Stroud orchestrated a six-play drive that concluded with a 5-yard touchdown run from Dare Ogunbowale, securing the lead for good.
Stroud finished with 203 passing yards and a touchdown in his second game back after recovering from a concussion.
“C.J. delivered when it mattered,” Ryans said. “I’m proud of his leadership regardless of how the game unfolded. He led effectively and positioned us to make plays.”
What’s working
Houston’s defense continues to impress on the field. In addition to leading the league in points allowed per game, the Texans also rank first in total yards allowed, giving up an average of just 266.3 yards per game. With 22 takeaways, including 15 interceptions — three of which came against the Chiefs — they are fourth in the league in that category.
What needs help
Despite stellar defensive performances, the Texans are wrestling with offensive inconsistencies and red-zone inefficiency. They converted only two of four red-zone opportunities on Sunday, and their offensive struggles persisted through much of the second half. Stroud faced considerable pressure, leading to three sacks and ten hits during the game.
Stock up
Ogunbowale, who hadn’t carried the ball since October 26, seized the moment with a pivotal go-ahead score, making the most of his opportunity with Nick Chubb sidelined due to injury and after Woody Marks was shaken up just prior to the touchdown.
Stock down
Rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery saw three penalties against the Chiefs, with a key error coming when he was flagged for being offside on a fourth-and-1 from the 12, which forced the Texans to settle for a field goal in the first quarter.
Injuries
Chubb suffered rib injuries during the game, and Ryans indicated they would assess his availability later in the week.
Key number
This was the 11th game in which the Texans have achieved at least one turnover and at least one sack, tying for the most in the NFL this season.
What’s next
The Texans are aiming to extend their winning streak to six games for the first time since their nine-game streak in 2018, as they prepare to face struggling opponents in the Cardinals, who have dropped five consecutive games.
