The Houston Texans have one of the most remarkable stories in the NFL this season with a five-game win streak. Now they’re establishing themselves as the dark horses in the AFC playoff race. With their three-game winning streak, the Texans currently sit in the seventh and final playoff spot. They are only a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, division leaders of the AFC South. Their remarkable success is fueled by an elite defense. This defense leads the league in fewest points allowed, and their 266.3 yards per game pace is best in the league.
Following their huge upset over the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach DeMeco Ryans had a strong message to inspire his team. He gave it with fire and brimstone in the locker room. “That’s what we’re paid to do,” he continued, making focus on this issue all the more important as they head toward the home stretch of the outdoor season. The Texans have emerged as a playoff contender after starting the season 0-3. They are well on their way to being just the fifth team since 1990 to reach the playoffs after starting as poorly as 1-7.
The Texans are getting ready for their next game as they host the Arizona Cardinals. They can’t afford to overlook their opponent, even if the Cardinals have long been eliminated from postseason contention. Coach Ryans’ philosophy centers on taking things one week at a time, as he remarked, “You guys tell me who we play next because I can’t do anything about the next opponent until we handle the one that’s facing us right now.”
The Texans know that not being able to put together winning streaks is ultimately what keeps teams out of the playoffs. Quarterback C.J. Stroud shared insights into their preparation, stating, “I think we’ve got to be on our A-game if we want to get this win.” He further emphasized that success hinges on their performance rather than that of their opponents, saying, “These are the best football players in the world, top to bottom. Every team has dogs. Every team has great coaches.”
Since Week 4, the Texans have scored an average of 24.5 points per game, good for 14th in the league. In fact, their defense is even more impressive, as they only give up 15.7 points per game, good for first overall, and by 3.3 points. That tandem of explosive offensive development and suffocating defensive force has been key so far in their recent — a truly terrifying stretch.
The Texans are getting ready to welcome in the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. They refuse to be distracted from their ultimate goal of continuing the fight for a playoff spot. This is a team that continues to display incredible resolve and grit. They’re really hitting their stride in the second half of the season!
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