Why the Texans could make a deep playoff run
To the surprise of prognosticators everywhere, the Houston Texans are leading the AFC South by a game with one week remaining. Even more of a surprise, this could be the Texans' chance for a deep playoff run.
It's remarkable that the Texans are even in the playoff race, rotating through four quarterbacks throughout the duration of the year. Head coach Bill O'Brien infamously handed Brian Hoyer the starting job, then revoked his decision after one game. Through a potent cocktail of injuries and indecision, Brandon Weeden is the Texans' current quarterback, and he's made the most of his opportunity, with three touchdowns and no interceptions in two games.
In spite of a quarterback scenario that would be deemed laughable, DeAndre Hopkins emerged as one of the league's foremost receivers, with 104 receptions for 1,432 yards for 11 touchdowns. Hopkins' game-breaking ability baffles the best defenses in the league, and will have the rest of the AFC on notice.
J.J. Watt receives the majority of attention, but the defense's late-season surge ought to be attributed to a host of players. Rookie linebacker Benardrick McKinney is showing glimpses of future stardom, while Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney are proving why they were first-round selections.
With a ferocious front seven and a young secondary that's beginning to gel, it shouldn't be a surprise that the Texans ranked fourth in total defense prior to Sunday's rout of the Tennessee Titans.
Houston showed its resolve all season, with quality wins over Cincinnati, the New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts. Moreover, the Texans suffered defeats to New England, Carolina, and Kansas City, all of whom could serve as potential playoff opponents. With an easier schedule, the Texans' playoff bid could've been secured much earlier.
Although the Texans will enter the playoffs with an unorthodox formula, they possess several elements conducive to a deep playoff run with two superstars at the top of their game in Watt and Hopkins, a quarterback that's making the most of a redemption shot, and a defense that's gaining contributions across the board.
The Texans shouldn't be anybody's idea of an easy out in the playoffs and could be in line for a deep run in what's been one of the oddest years in recent memory.