The Houston Texans capitalized on a uncommon off day from Justin Herbert to edge the Los Angeles Chargers 23-17 within the wild-card spherical.
Herbert, who entered the sport having thrown simply three interceptions all season and had by no means thrown greater than two in a recreation, was picked off thrice by the Texans protection. Derek Stingley Jr. hauled in two interceptions, whereas rookie Kamari Lassiter added a diving choose that shifted the sport’s momentum.
Beneath first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers returned to the playoffs however have been eradicated within the wild-card spherical for the second straight yr. The loss prolonged their postseason win drought, which dates again to 2018.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud orchestrated a balanced offensive assault, throwing for 283 yards and a landing to Nico Collins, who caught seven passes for 122 yards. Joe Mixon chipped in with 106 speeding yards and a rating, powering Houston to the divisional spherical.
PFF’s devoted workforce of graders was exhausting at work, analyzing each participant on each play in actual time. The grades and knowledge shall be out there after an intensive assessment tomorrow at midday ET.
Within the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level knowledge and snap counts from the sport to provide you an early look. Our skilled graders have additionally nominated the standout participant of the sport, highlighting distinctive efficiency on the sector.
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HIGHEST-GRADED PLAYERS
Observe: Observe together with PFF’s in-game grading as our analysts consider each participant on each play in actual time! Grades will then be relocked 90 minutes after the ultimate whistle as our first-run evaluation is reviewed.
Click on right here to see PFF’s preliminary grades from this recreation!
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Texans rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter allowed only a 69.1 passer ranking on throws into his protection throughout the common season, the second-best mark amongst first-year corners, and he saved up that stage of efficiency in his first NFL playoff recreation.
Focused twice in protection, Lassiter pressured an incompletion and made a game-changing diving interception on the Texans’ 10-yard line with the Chargers main 6-0. The choose sparked a momentum shift that proved pivotal.
Lassiter allowed an ideal 0.0 passer ranking on throws into his protection, showcasing the poise and playmaking potential which have outlined his standout rookie marketing campaign.