The Houston Texans' defense showcased a remarkable performance in their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, ultimately securing a decisive 32-12 victory at NRG Stadium. The Texans overcame a sluggish start, with the team trailing 6-0 at the end of the first quarter and failing to score until the closing moments of the first half. C.J. Stroud, the Texans' quarterback, played a crucial role in the team's comeback, despite an interception that contributed to the early struggles.

Stroud finished the game with an impressive line, completing 22 of 33 passes for 282 yards, accompanied by one touchdown. Additionally, he displayed his dual-threat capability with six rushing attempts for 42 yards. His performance highlighted both resilience and skill, earning praise from fans and analysts alike for his bounce back from a challenging start. With just minutes remaining in the second quarter, Stroud connected on key plays to ignite the Texans' offense and stabilize a critical moment in the game.

On the defensive front, the Texans completely stifled the Chargers, limiting quarterback Justin Herbert to a mere 14 completions on 32 attempts for 242 yards, alongside four interceptions—a stark contrast to his typical performance during the regular season. The Texans' defense generated consistent pressure, registering four sacks and also forcing multiple turnovers, contributing significantly to the team's successful outing. With this victory, the Texans not only solidified their position as AFC South champions but also advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in both seasons of Stroud's tenure.