Houston Texans: Back-to-Back AFC South champions
Saturday wasn’t the best played game overall, but the Houston Texans won and are going back to the playoffs as AFC South champions for the second straight year.
How about those Houston Texans? For the second straight year, they are the AFC South champions after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. The Texans did so behind a defensive performance where they collected four interceptions by Johnathan Joseph, Jahleel Addae, Bradley Roby, and Justin Reid, with Roby intercepting the first pass of the game thrown by Jameis Winston for a touchdown.
The defense played well with the Pick 6 to start the game to lead the Texans to victory, because the offense of Houston – well, it needs to have better days from here on out for the playoffs to be a success.
Also, the special teams of the Texans was excellent with a field goal block, plus Ka’imi Fairbairn was 3-of-3 on field goal attempts and 2-of-2 with extra points.
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Deshaun Watson was 19-of-32 for 184 yards with no touchdown passes and one interception. Watson was also the leading rusher where he totaled seven carries for 37 yards, while Carlos Hyde had 17 carries for 27 yards and one touchdown.
Kenny Stills led the Texans with five receptions for 57 yards on nine targets. DeAndre Hopkins had five receptions on nine targets as well, but he managed to gain only 23 yards receiving.
A win is a win though for the Texans, and this week it was the defense who were the leaders, and not the offense. The good thing about this is the Texans have a week where they can work on some things before their playoff game.
The Texans (10-5) being in the playoffs for the second straight year is exciting because for them to even have a thought of winning the Super Bowl, one must qualify for the playoffs. The Texans also need to have some redemption this year, because last season’s playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts was tough to watch. They now have the opportunity to do so and finally have success in the playoffs.
That said, this is a different Texans team, as the offense — when at the top of their game — is a better unit than last year. If the defense plays as strong as they did in Week 16, holding an opponent to 20 points or less, well, damage can be done and success can be gained in the playoffs.
Next. Do the Texans belong in the mix?. dark
Right now, though, celebrate the Texans for being AFC South champions once again!