Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans remains unfazed by external commentary as his team prepares for a wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Despite national skepticism surrounding the Texans' chances, Ryans emphasizes that the game will ultimately be determined by performance on the field, not opinions.
The Texans come into the playoffs following a challenging season, highlighted by a significant loss to the Baltimore Ravens and a 1-5 record against winning teams. Yet, they are eager to prove doubters wrong. The Chargers, boasting a strong finish to the regular season, present a formidable challenge, especially with their talented quarterback Justin Herbert.
Key matchups will dictate the outcome of the game, including Houston's ability to apply pressure on Herbert. The Texans' linebackers and defensive line, featuring Danielle Hunter and rookie Will Anderson Jr., will be crucial in disrupting the Chargers' play-action offense. Conversely, Houston must establish a solid running game, a task made difficult by the Chargers' strong run defense.