Former NFL coach shreds Texans, says Chargers have NFL playoff bye

Chris Roling | 16 Hours Ago

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The Los Angeles Chargers don’t have a bye week in the playoffs—but one former NFL head coach says that getting to play the Houston Texans is basically the same thing.

Appearing on ESPN’s "Get Up" early this week, former NFL head coach Rex Ryan blasted the Texans for the poor offensive line in front of C.J. Stroud, which will now have to deal with the NFL’s top-scoring defense.

The highlight quote, via Chron.com’s Dan Carson: "Chargers, basically I never realized they get a bye [on Saturday]. Oh wait, they gotta play [the Texans]. What's the difference?"

A little harsh, but it certainly gets the point across. The Texans won 10 games this year but went 2-2 to close the season after a Week 14 bye. They managed a maximum of 23 points during those games, even losing 31-2 to a fellow playoff team, the Baltimore Ravens.

Stroud himself has hit on a bit of a sophomore slump, suffering 52 sacks and throwing just 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. And indeed, the Chargers currently boast the league’s statistically best defense.

Even so, the Chargers certainly don’t consider the game a bye and they would very much like to avoid any injury setbacks while advancing.

#Texans DeMeco Ryans when asked about Rex Ryan's comments that the Chargers basically have a bye:

"It doesn't matter who gives us a shot. Everybody has an opinion about us. But outside opinion doesn't drive us internally."

"We play hard anyway."
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) January 7, 2025