Texans Edge Colts, Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2019

The Houston Texans are in the postseason for the first time since the Deshaun Watson era after taking down the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Matt Galatzan | Jan 6, 2024

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Houston Texans

HOUSTON, TX -- When the 2023 season began, nobody expected the Houston Texans to be a playoff contender.

But after taking down their AFC South Division rival Indianapolis Colts 23-19 on Saturday night, that is exactly what they are, clinching the first playoff berth for the franchise since 2019 when Deshaun Watson was under center.

In many ways, Saturday was a microcosm of the Texans' 2023 season as a whole. There were injuries, there were mistakes, and it came down to a pulse-pounding finish.

But in the end, as has been the case more often than not throughout the year, the Texans came out on top.

Things looked like they would be a breeze for Houston early, with star rookie QB C.J. Stroud hitting Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown pass on their first offensive play of the game.

A few drives later, the Texans were back in the end zone again, taking a two-score lead and seeming as though they were going to cruise right through the Colts.

That's when the Colts woke up, however, outscoring the Texans 14-3 through the third quarter, and putting the pressure back on Stroud and the Houston offense.

Stroud, as he has all season, answered that call, leading the Texans down the field for a go-ahead touchdown.

Texans Gain Quick Lead vs. Colts on 75-Yard Pass From Stroud to Collins

Unfortunately for Houston, that's when a critical mistake came about, with Kai'mi Fairbairn missing his first extra point of the season, leaving the door open for Indianapolis to pull off a miracle.

The Colts nearly took advantage of that mistake too, with the Colts marching down the field and getting in scoring position with just over a minute to go in regulation.

Fortunately on fourth down the Garnder Minshew pass was incomplete on a drop, and the Texans were able to escape Indianapolis with the win.

With the victory in hand, the Texans now head to the postseason for the first time since 2019 and will await to see who they will face.

If the Jaguars win tomorrow, Houston will be in the Wild Card, with the opponent yet to be determined. But if the Jaguars lose, the Texans will win the AFC South, and host Deshaun Watson's new team, the Cleveland Browns.

Either way, Houston is playoff-bound, and they will be happy to face whoever lines up in front of them

Published Jan 6, 2024

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com