KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Houston Texans faced the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, and despite the Chiefs’ strong history, Houston kept their focus.
“We just needed to execute,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. And they did, clinching a 20-10 victory that significantly boosted their playoff chances.
C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, and Nico Collins made four catches for 121 yards. The Texans, now 8-5, are on a five-game winning streak and remain just a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in a competitive AFC South.
“Winning was our mission,” Ryans emphasized. The Texans showcased their power on defense, effectively shutting down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Mahomes struggled, completing only 14 of 33 passes for 160 yards, with three interceptions.
“We played great coverage and pressured him nonstop,” Stroud noted, highlighting the effectiveness of their defensive strategy.
This win is particularly impactful for Houston, as it could potentially lead to a division title or a wild-card spot. The defeat, however, sent shockwaves through Kansas City, dropping their record to 6-7—their worst start since 2012. Mahomes recognized the missed opportunities: “We had chances and didn’t execute.”
The Chiefs had dominated the Texans in recent matchups, winning five in a row before this game. Both teams had transformed since their last meeting. The Texans were riding high on momentum, while the Chiefs struggled with injuries and performance issues this season.
In the first half, Stroud connected with Collins for two substantial plays, setting up a field goal and a touchdown. Unfortunately for Kansas City, they faced injuries to key players, leaving them scrambling to fill gaps on the offensive line and defense.
The Texans led 10-0 at halftime, marking only the fourth time Mahomes has been shut out in the first half during regular season play.
The game shifted with decisions made in the fourth quarter. After Houston opted to punt on a fourth down, the Chiefs attempted to convert on their own fourth-and-1. Mahomes’ pass fell incomplete, costing them a crucial opportunity. Soon after, Dare Ogunbowale scored the go-ahead touchdown for Houston.
As the game came to a close, the Chiefs had another chance, but Mahomes was intercepted, sealing their fate. Defensive tackle Chris Jones expressed hope despite the challenges: “As long as we have a chance, we can control that.”
Injuries played a significant role in the game. Houston lost running back Nick Chubb to a rib injury, while Kansas City was already missing several starters. This lack of depth has been a recurring theme for the Chiefs this season.
Looking ahead, Houston prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday, while Kansas City faces the Chargers on the same day. As the playoffs approach, every game matters more than ever.
For more NFL news and updates, visit AP NFL.
Source link
Nico Collins, Dare Ogunbowale, Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans, Woody Marks, Kareem Hunt, Wanya Morris, Nick Chubb, DeMeco Ryans, Harrison Butker, Trent McDuffie, Chris Jones, Football, Andy Reid, Local News for Apple, Missouri, TX State Wire, NFL, KS State Wire, Texas, Kansas, MO State Wire, Kansas City, Rashee Rice, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Kaimi Fairbairn, Sports, Jacksonville, NFL football, Houston
