The Houston Texans capped off the 2024 NFL regular season with a win over division rivals the Tennessee Titans, 23-14. With the win, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans made history, as the Texans finished the year with a 10-7 record and their second straight AFC South title. They will host the Chargers next weekend as the postseason gets underway, but Ryans and his team hit some franchise benchmarks as they close things out this weekend.
Texans Quarterback and Head Coach Make History
2024 marks the first time in the team’s history that they have had back-to-back division championships and consecutive 10-win seasons. Since Ryan arrived in 2023, the Texans have gone 20-14 with a .588 winning percentage. They’re one postseason victory in that span was a 45-14 blowout of the Cleveland Browns.
Needless to say, his first two years have been a major success. After the game, he commented on what a turning point it had been for the franchise. He credited his team’s tenacity and lauded their accomplishments in 2023 and 2024.
“Back-to-back years of undefeated on the road in our division, back-to-back years of division champs, back-to-back years of 10 wins, so great job by everybody in here,” Coach Ryans said during his postgame locker room speech. “Really proud of everyone, as always. … This is what you play this game for, to have an opportunity to play postseason football. We here.”
Following today’s win, QB @CJ7STROUD and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans become the third QB/HC duo in @NFL history to reach the 10 win mark in each of their first two seasons with the team. pic.twitter.com/6AJAVSy0ET
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) January 5, 2025
Alongside his coach’s achievements, Texans quarterback CJ Stroud was recognized, as well. Sunday’s win meant that he and Ryans are just the third QB/Head Coach combination to win 10 games or more in their first two seasons with the team. Stroud followed up his NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign from a year ago by finishing with 3,727 yards passing and 20 touchdowns. However, he struggled with turnovers, throwing 12 interceptions.
Houston’s Outlook for the Playoffs
The Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) will travel to NRG Stadium for a Saturday match-up on Jan 11. Led by another former Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback Justin Herbert – who captured the award in 2020. The former Oregon Duck threw for 3870 yards, 23 TDs, and just three picks on the season.
Beyond the team’s passing game, the Chargers finished 12th in The League in total defense. With several key injuries on offense, Houston will have to find creative ways to score against an LA squad that closed with three straight victories.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
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