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Texans secure AFC South title for consecutive season and eighth time in team history

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Texans secure AFC South title for consecutive season and eighth time in team history

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans clinched their second consecutive AFC South title on Sunday following a win against the Miami Dolphins and a defeat faced by the Indianapolis Colts. This achievement marks the eighth division title in the team’s history, all of which have been secured since 2011.

Coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud have made history as the only coach-quarterback duo in the NFL to earn division titles in their first two seasons working together. “Securing the AFC South is incredibly significant for us,” Ryans remarked on Monday. “It’s a great achievement for our team. Our ultimate goal is to enter the postseason, and that journey starts with winning the division. We appreciate everyone who contributed to this milestone as it’s the first step toward our objective.”

This marks the fourth occurrence of back-to-back division titles for the Texans (9-5), with their last being from 2018-19. This success stands out particularly as the team had only managed to accrue a total of 11 wins over the three previous seasons prior to the arrivals of Ryans and Stroud.

During their 20-12 win on Sunday, the Texans’ defense displayed substantial strength, generating four turnovers. Tua Tagovailoa fumbled after being strip-sacked by Will Anderson Jr., while the Texans managed to intercept him three times, tying his career high. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was pivotal in securing the victory, making two interceptions in the fourth quarter—both against star receiver Tyreek Hill.

“Defensively, our players rose to the occasion and played a crucial role in closing out the game,” Ryans said. “Stingley is currently playing at an exceptional level. It’s impressive how he handled man coverage and came up with two interceptions against a formidable offense.” Stingley also registered two tackles for loss, becoming the first cornerback in NFL history to achieve two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a single game. Since being drafted third overall in 2022, he has tallied five interceptions this season, with four occurring this month alone.

On a positive note, Houston boasts a plus-13 turnover differential, ranking third in the NFL after forcing four turnovers while giving the ball away just once. The Texans hold the second position in the league with 19 interceptions and are tied for seventh with nine fumble recoveries. Offensively, C.J. Stroud has thrown nine interceptions this season, with the team losing just six fumbles.

However, the Texans’ offense struggled, managing a season-low of just 181 yards. Although Stroud threw two touchdown passes, his 131 yards passing marked one of the lower outputs in his career. Running back Joe Mixon’s performance also faltered, posting only 23 yards on 12 carries after an early hard hit.

“I believe we could have performed better in many areas, but I’m pleased with the win and looking forward,” Stroud stated.

Turning to individual performances, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o had a standout game, recording 11 tackles, half a sack, and a forced fumble. His elevated performance was particularly crucial due to the absence of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was serving the first game of a three-game suspension for a hit delivered on Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence.

Conversely, wide receiver Tank Dell’s output was disappointing, with only 26 receiving yards against the Dolphins following a mere 23 yards against Jacksonville. This season, he has managed just one 100-yard game compared to three from his rookie season.

With regard to injuries, Ryans dismissed concerns over Mixon’s health, assuring, “he’ll be fine.” Meanwhile, tight end Cade Stover missed the game due to an emergency appendectomy, and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi left the game with an ankle injury in the second quarter.

A notable statistic for the Texans is their total of 45 sacks this season, putting them in second place in the NFL; they are just one sack shy of the franchise record of 46 set last season.

Looking ahead, the Texans will confront the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday and will host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. Historically, they have triumphed in only one of their last five encounters against the Chiefs, which includes a playoff loss in 2019 after initially establishing a 24-0 lead.