Houston Texans: Top 30 moments in team history

Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (6) greets fans before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

5.  T.J. Yates leads team to first playoff win

The Houston Texans first playoff win finally came in 2012, but it happened without their top quarterback. With Matt Schaub sidelined for the season due to a Lisfranc injury the team had turned to former Arizona Cardinal quarterback Matt Leinart.

An injury to Leinart’s collarbone opened the door for fifth round rookie T.J. Yates to step in and play. Yates played well, especially considering his draft status and helped clinch a playoff berth by beating the Cincinnati Bengals. In that game Yates threw for 300 yards on 26-of-44 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. The game earned him rookie of the week honors and sent the Texans to their first playoff game.

The quarterback wasn’t done upsetting the Bengals though as Yates started the Texans first playoff win which was again against Cincinnati. Yates finished the game going 11-of-20 passes for just 159 yards and a touchdown pass. He had no interceptions, although he did have one pass dropped that should have been. Bengals safety had one thrown right in his lap, but dropped the interception that may have helped swing momentum into Cincy’s favor.

Yates capitalized on the second chance by throwing his lone touchdown pass just three plays later to receiver Andre Johnson. The score put Houston up 24-10 in the game they ended up winning easily, 31-10.

Next: Moment in history, number 4