Texans host Chargers in AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday at 3:30p

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A battle of two strong-armed, accurate quarterbacks: C.J. Stroud versus Justin Herbert.

Two stout defenses dotted with talented pass rushers.

And two accomplished former NFL players in DeMeco Ryans and Jim Harbaugh that are now successful head coaches.

That’s the AFC wild-card round matchup in a nutshell between the 10-7, AFC South champion Texans and the 11-6 Los Angeles Chargers.

The fourth-seeded Texans host the fifth-seeded Chargers in an AFC wild-card playoff game on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. at NRG Stadium after winning their second consecutive division title, winning 10 games and going undefeated on the road against AFC South opponents. Stroud and Ryans are the third quarterback-head coach tandem in NFL history to win at least 10 games in each of their first two seasons with the team.

“I’m proud of all our guys,” Ryans said following a road win over the Tennessee Titans where the offense built confidence and the defense upgraded its play one game after a 31-2 beatdown administered by the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas. “For us and everything I talk about for me is like owning the present moment. Right here, right now, I feel like our team has played really good football throughout the year.

“We’ve earned a right to play postseason football, which is always our goal. And, now, we’re excited for whatever opportunity comes next, whoever we’ll play. I’m so proud of our guys for the effort, the mindset, the way they work to put us in position where we are now. Very proud of this team.”

Now, the Texans after winning a regular-season finale with no playoff stakes, they can start preparations for an important game. The Chargers’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders locked them in as the fifth seed in the AFC. If they had lost Sunday, the Texans would be preparing to play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I’m just happy we’re playing for something bigger than that, we’re going to the playoffs” Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon said after eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards for the season and watching backup running back Dameon Pierce rush for a career-high 176 yards with a 92-yard touchdown run Sunday. “Big week ahead of us, now we’re do or die and it’s that time. Everybody is going to go out there and play hard. If we’re playing hard and playing that type of football, being mistake-free and executing, I think we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“We got to be able to show that every play, every down and I think that when we’re on our stuff like that, bro, we’re going to be a damn good team. We all know that. It’s never about what the other team is doing, it’s about what we’re doing and how we execute. So, obviously the hard part is out of the way. Now, the stats and all that s--- don’t matter. It’s time to go ball. Do or die. I’m ready, just know that.”

The Texans who lost in the AFC divisional round last season to the Ravens, who embarrassed the Texans on Christmas in a 31-2 blowout victory and ended their season last year, blew out the Cleveland Browns last year in the AFC wild-card round.

“Oh man, it’s playoff time, baby,” Texans star defensive end Danielle Hunter told KPRC 2. “I’m just excited about that.”

The Texans were able to rest several starters, including defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and linebacker Christian Harris. Stroud just played one series, after completing all six of his throws for 50 yards with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Nico Collins.

“He knows what he’s doing,” Hunter said. “Us as players, we just follow his advice. We’re excited about the season. We’re excited about the playoffs. We’re looking forward to that. It’s playoff time. You got to prepare for everybody.

“We’re feeling great right now. In the season, you’re going to have your ups and downs. At the end of the day, all that matters is coming together. I like how everybody is coming along together, the connections. That’s important going into the playoffs. Knowing your brother that’s important.”

The Texans upgraded their play as an offensive line as well as their running game and on defense, including a scoop-and-score fumble recovery by defensive end Derek Barnett for a touchdown.

Building momentum

That’s why Ryans decided to play his starters in an otherwise meaningless regular-season finale against the Titans.

Stroud orchestrated a crisp touchdown drive before being replaced by backup Davis Mills and rooting him on from the sideline.

One year after making a successful playoff debut against the Browns only to fall short against the Ravens, Stroud is looking forward to the next opportunity and feels well-equipped for the moment.

“Those adversities and those hard times definitely build those calluses,” Stroud said. “We played really well against some of the best teams in the league. We just haven’t finished the right way. I think we give ourselves our best opp by just playing Texans brand football. Those trials and tribulations definitely are going to help in my opinion.

“Just every play matters, It’s really the same even during the regular season. It’s more amped up definitely during the playoffs just because guys are playing harder. It’s a lot on the line, not taking anything back. Even when things happen, just saying positive, that’s something I learned.”

Readiness over rest was the choice for the Texans, and it was the right decision as they head into the playoffs relatively healthy with no major new injuries.

During practice all week, there was a sense of urgency and visibly more enthusiasm after an 11-day break after the Ravens debacle. That game was played a few days after a Saturday road loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs as wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a devastating knee injury.

After the Ravens game in the locker room, several players said the energy was lacking heading into kickoff and they seemed flat overall. And Hunter said the game plan needs improvement in the future for matchups with the Ravens.

After the Titans game, the Texans were in an upbeat mood, practically brimming with confidence inside the visitors’ locker room.

This game could provide a boost heading into the postseason.

“It’s important,” Collins said. “I feel like coming up with this dub, it’s good, clicking on offense, rolling, great momentum heading into next week. I feel like we needed that home-field advantage. There’s no better feeling than getting ready for it.

“Energy was good, everybody came ready to play. You want to go out there and have fun. It’s a new season. One-and-0, that’s our mindset and go out there and have fun, be us. We got that home game next week, can’t wait for it. You got to come in and handle business. We got to play our best ball. It’s win or go home at this point and play our best ball and have fun doing it.”

Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.