Texans secure first road playoff win with suffocating defensive performance

Key Highlights

• The 175 yards and six points they allowed were the fewest in franchise history and it was the first time they hadn’t allowed a touchdown in a playoff game. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins returned a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to make it 17-6 and Calen Bullock’s 50-yard interception return wrapped up the scoring with about 2½ minutes to go.
• They are the first defense since 1950 to score two touchdowns and limit a team to less than 200 yards in a postseason game. They became the first defense since the 1940 Chicago Bears to score multiple defensive touchdowns without allowing a touchdown in a playoff game.
• Houston is also the first team since 2007 to have a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception return for a score in a single playoff game. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“It was an outstanding defensive performance, one of the best that I’ve seen versus a really talented offense, talented quarterback who has played at a high level for a long time,” coach DeMeco Ryans said.
• “So, I’m proud.”What’s workingThere’s a lot to pick from here, but Houston’s stellar pass rush was the biggest star of Monday’s game.
• The Texans got after Rodgers all night, sacking him four times, hitting him 12 others and forcing two fumbles.