Texans intercept Herbert a career-high 4 times in a 32-12 win over Chargers in wild-card playoff

In a thrilling Wild Card playoff game held on January 11, 2025, in the United States, the Houston Texans faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers. The game started off poorly for the Texans, who were down 6-0 after two field goals from the Chargers early on. However, despite the bleak opening, the Texans rallied when C.J. Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 13-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, swinging momentum in favor of Houston. After halftime, the Texans controlled the game, with Stroud throwing for 282 yards overall and securing his team's first lead. Later, Eric Murray made a pivotal play, returning a touchdown after intercepting Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who struggled throughout the game with four interceptions. The Texans extended their lead with a touchdown run by Joe Mixon to finish the game at 32-12. The Texans' victory was significant as it marked the second consecutive year they advanced past the Wild Card round of the playoffs. C.J. Stroud's performance was pivotal, showcasing his ability to overcome early struggles and lead his team to a decisive win. The game encapsulated a remarkable transition from a shaky start for the Texans to a dominating overall performance that put them firmly in control. Additionally, the defeat highlighted the difficulties faced by Justin Herbert, a quarterback known for his proficiency during the regular season. Herbert, who had thrown only three interceptions in the entire regular season, was unable to maintain that level against the Texans' defensive strategy and ended the game with a low passer rating of 40.9. The unusual play where D'Angelo Ross recovered a blocked extra point for two points added another layer of excitement, turning a possible tie situation into a larger deficit for the Chargers. By recovering the blocked extra point, the Texans managed to gain a strategic advantage both in points and morale. This victory not only allows the Texans to move forward in the playoffs but also reflects their resilience and capability to adapt during high-stakes games. The Texans, previously thought to be struggling after a subpar first half, used this game as a stepping stone to advance to the divisional round, where they will seek to reach the AFC Championship for the first time in franchise history. The implications of this win are monumental for the franchise, instilling confidence among players and coaching staff alike.