HOUSTON — Expectations were high for the Houston Texans entering the 2024 NFL season.

After a surprising performance last year that saw them clinch an AFC South title and reach the divisional round, the Texans embraced the pressure that came with being a contender, especially under the leadership of second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud.

"We have that big red target on our back. That’s something we didn’t have last year," Stroud stated confidently during training camp, foreshadowing the challenges ahead.

The Texans were proactive in an aggressive offseason, acquiring key players like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, defensive end Danielle Hunter, and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

This clearly demonstrated their intention to challenge division heavyweights like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore.

However, their season took an unexpected turn.

Despite a promising 6-2 start, a series of unfortunate events led to a less-than-stellar finish of 4-5.

The Texans faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key players like Diggs and rookie standout Tank Dell.

Their offensive line struggled, resulting in quarterback Stroud being sacked an alarming 52 times throughout the season.

The situation became so dire that ESPN analyst Rex Ryan predicted an easy path for the Chargers against Houston in the playoffs, dubbing their matchup a "bye week" for Los Angeles.

"The comments were disrespectful," said offensive tackle Tytus Howard.

Acknowledging the team's motivation from Ryan's perceived slight, the Texans turned up the heat when it mattered most, pulling off a stunning 32-12 victory over the Chargers in their wild-card match.

The game, however, started as a struggle.

Stroud seemed off his game, contributing to the Texans’ early woes that included multiple turnovers and three-and-outs.

But a pivotal moment came just before halftime when a seemingly disastrous fumbled snap turned into a game-changing play.

The ball bounced right back into Stroud’s hands and, evading the pocket pressure, he delivered a 34-yard completion to wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson.

"That sparked not just our offense, but our entire team," coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Referencing the significance of the play, the momentum shifted dramatically as Stroud quickly connected with Nico Collins for a touchdown, followed by a field goal, allowing the Texans to take command.

On the other side of the ball, Houston’s defense shone brightly.

Effectively stifling Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throughout the contest, the Texans defense intercepted Herbert four times—a feat no other team managed in his entire regular season.

The secondary was particularly impressive, led by All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who recorded two interceptions and played a crucial role in keeping the Chargers grounded.

"Complementary football is what we’ve been striving for, and we showed that today," Ryans exclaimed.

The Texans not only executed defensively but thrived in creating turnovers, showcasing their ability to bait high-caliber quarterbacks into mistakes.

As the game dwindled, running back Joe Mixon pulled the Texans further ahead.

With a strong performance that wore down the Chargers' defense, celebrations erupted in the locker room post-game, where victory cigars were lit amid joyful laughter and camaraderie.

Looking ahead, the Texans are poised to face either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Buffalo Bills.

"We know it’s win or go home, and we’re not ready to go home yet," Howard emphasized, echoing the sentiments of a team that has risen from the ashes of a dismal prior season.

Stroud reflected on his growth.

Attributing his continued success to the lessons learned through adversity, he stated, "I feel like this is just the start."

With two straight division titles and playoff victories under their belts, the Texans are marking a monumental shift in their franchise history as they continue their pursuit of greatness.