Texans' defense comes up big against Chargers and advanced to the next round of the playoffs

With the All-Pro cornerback grabbing two of Justin Herbert's career-high four interceptions, Houston rolled to a 32-12 wild card playoff victory.

It was the second straight year C.J. Stroud, and the Texans had won in the first round following their win over Cleveland last season.

Texans' defense made Herbert uncomfortable in the pocket all day, sacking him four times and hitting him nine more. During the regular season, Herbert threw just three interceptions, and he had never thrown more than two interceptions in a game before facing a Stingley-led Texans secondary.  Eric Murray returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown. Rookie Kamari Lassiter had the other pick.

The Chargers who returned to the playoffs under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, lost in the wild-card round for a second straight time after also losing in the 2022 season. They remain without a postseason win since 2018. Herbert was 14 of 32 for 242 yards with a 40.9 passer rating. Herbert continues to prove my point that he is over-rated, and the Chargers are going to Charger in the postseason.

Stroud threw 282 yards with a touchdown pass to Nico Collins and an interception.  As a quarterback, Stroud has won playoff starts in both of his first two seasons. He joins Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, Russell Wilson, and Brock Purdy.

Collins finished with seven catches for 122 yards to set a franchise playoff record. Joe Mixon ran for 106 yards and a score.