The highly anticipated Wild Card game between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans was a thrilling display of skill, determination, and resilience. Both teams entered the game with a strong desire to advance to the next round of the playoffs, making for an intense showdown.
The Browns, led by their star quarterback Baker Mayfield, showcased their offensive prowess from the very start. Mayfield's precision passing and strategic decision-making kept the Texans' defense on their toes throughout the game. Additionally, running back Nick Chubb's exceptional performance added to Cleveland's offensive dominance.
The Texans beat the Colts Saturday night, 23-19, and clinched a playoff berth. Then, with the Jaguars 28-20 loss to the Titans on Sunday, the Texans claimed the AFC South division title.
Rookie QB C.J. Stroud completed 20-of-26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns in Houston's playoff-clinching win. On their first offensive drive of the game, Stroud threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to WR Nico Collins in the first quarter to take an early lead. Then the Texans re-established their lead late in the fourth quarter on a 3-yard run from RB Devin Singletary for the touchdown, giving the Texans a 23-17 lead. While the Colts scored a safety with one second left in the game, they were not able to convert their last offensive possession, and the Texans secured the 23-19 win.
The Texans are coming off a big win-and-in game against the Indianapolis Colts played on Saturday night. Stroud had an impressive outing, throwing 20-for-26 with 264 yards and two touchdowns, taking down the Colts 23-19 and ending their regular season 10-7.
The Browns played and beat the Texans 36-22 a few weeks ago, back in Week 16. That game saw wide receiver Amari Cooper set two franchise records with his impressive 265-yard outing and connection with quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns.
Rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who had seven regular-season sacks, missed the game due to an ankle injury. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who led the Texans with 12.5 sacks, left after two plays and has not played since because of his own ankle injury.
"A huge difference," left tackle Geron Christian Jr. said of the Texans' pass-rush duo possibly returning. "I mean, they real good rushers. Grennard, we came into Louisville together, so I've been going against him since 2015. I mean, Will is a good player as well. So, I mean, if they got those two guys back, I mean, it's going to be obviously another obstacle. But, I mean, we just got to do our job honestly."
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