Texans must ride defense after uneven offensive performance in playoff-clinching win

It wasn't pretty, but thanks to another stellar defensive effort, the Houston Texans (11-5) are headed back to the playoffs for the third consecutive season. And if this season is to end any differently than the previous two, that's the blueprint the team will need to follow.

On Saturday, the Texans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on the road, 20-16, to secure a postseason berth for the third time in three seasons under head coach DeMeco Ryans. As it has all season, the defense led the charge, holding the Chargers below their season averages in points (23.3) and yards (345.5) entering the game.

Texans defense comes up big as team clinches playoff berth

Los Angeles gained 275 yards, while the Texans consistently pressured quarterback Justin Herbert, sacking him five times. The Chargers were also held to just 3.4 yards per carry, gaining 74 yards on 22 attempts.

Houston needed every bit of the imposing defensive effort with an offense that remains frustratingly inconsistent. Early, the unit looked like the ideal version of itself, with quarterback C.J. Stroud connecting with rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel on two 40-plus-yard first-quarter touchdowns. But it soon bogged down after that, mustering just six points over the final three quarters.