Texans Eye Breakthrough as Divisional Round History Looms Large
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The Houston Texans know this moment all too well. The AFC Divisional Round has been a brick wall for the franchise-six times they've reached it, six times they've gone home empty-handed.
No other team in the conference carries that particular burden. But this year, with a young, hungry core and a locker room that believes, they’re hoping to finally break through.
Will Anderson Jr., the star edge rusher and emotional heartbeat of the team, made sure his teammates understood the weight of the opportunity in front of them. After a strong week of practice, Anderson gathered the group and delivered a message rooted in the scars of playoff heartbreak.
“Being in the second round is not good enough for this organization no more,” Anderson told reporters. “We had a saying: ‘Round 2 is not good enough.’ Now it’s about getting over that hump.”
Anderson’s not speaking from the sidelines of history-he’s lived it. As a rookie, he watched Lamar Jackson and the Ravens explode for four second-half touchdowns after a tied first half.
Last year in Kansas City, it was a mix of special teams miscues, eight sacks allowed, and some tough officiating calls that doomed Houston against the Chiefs. Both times, the Texans were close enough to taste it-only to watch it slip away.
This Sunday, they return to the same stage, this time facing the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. And Anderson made it clear: the mission isn’t just to compete-it’s to win. For the team, for the city, and for the fans who’ve been waiting for this franchise to finally take that next step.
“I was just telling them, ‘You know how crazy the city gonna go?’” Anderson said. “They’ve been unbelievable for us all season long and we want to do something special for them.”
Familiar Territory, Familiar Pain
The Texans have been here before. The 2011 and 2012 squads, led by Gary Kubiak, Andre Johnson, and a prime J.J.
Watt, couldn’t get past this round. Even DeMeco Ryans, now the team’s head coach, was part of that 2011 team that fell to the Ravens.
The memories are etched deep in the franchise’s DNA.
But this version of the Texans feels different. Under Ryans, Houston has made the playoffs three straight seasons, winning a wild-card game each time. Their postseason record now sits at 7-8, and the locker room is filled with a mix of seasoned vets and rising stars who believe they can rewrite the narrative.
“I’m really excited to be leading this team in this moment,” Ryans said. “To have us in this position for a third year-it’s a blessing, it’s an honor. I don’t take it lightly to be one of the final four teams left in the AFC.”
Ryans knows the challenge ahead. The Patriots, now coached by former Texans linebacker Mike Vrabel and led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, are a physical, disciplined team that mirrors Vrabel’s own playing style.
Houston has felt this sting before-New England knocked them out of the divisional round in both 2013 and 2017. But this time, there’s a quiet confidence brewing.
“Coach Vrabel came in and really flipped the culture of that team,” Ryans said. “They’re a really, really tough opponent, but we’re excited for the matchup.”
Locked In on the Mission
There’s no mistaking the Texans’ mindset. The goal isn’t just to win this weekend-it’s to keep going.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins put it plainly: “The mission is the Super Bowl. This is just a stepping stone to get there.
Play our brand of football. It’s do or die.”
It’s a sentiment echoed throughout the locker room. The team’s chemistry is one of its biggest strengths-players aren’t just playing with each other, they’re playing for each other. When rookie safety Calen Bullock picked off Aaron Rodgers and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, no one celebrated harder than fellow safety Jalen Pitre.
“I feel like we’re connected, very connected,” Anderson said. “Guys care about each other.
We’re playing for each other. Not just players-we’re playing for staff, fans.
The connection in this building is very, very good.”
That bond has been tested and proven all season long. Rookie running back Woody Marks, who rushed for a season-high 112 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Steelers, is soaking in his first playoff run-and already playing like a seasoned vet.
“Just do it for the community,” Marks said. “We play this game for the community here. Just to get them riled up, happy.”
Stroud Steady Under the Lights
At the center of it all is C.J. Stroud.
The 24-year-old quarterback has already carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most poised postseason performers. He’s 3-2 in the playoffs, with 1,226 passing yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions to his name.
Against Pittsburgh, despite some timing issues on shotgun snaps and a pair of lost fumbles, Stroud still delivered-throwing for 250 yards and making key throws on third down.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to go out there our next game and put our best foot ahead of us,” Stroud said. “Try to get a W in a harsh environment against a really good football team. That’s all our focus is right now.”
The Moment Awaits
This is the kind of game that defines legacies. The Texans have been knocking on the door for years. Now, with a young core, a battle-tested coach, and a city behind them, they’re hoping to finally kick it down.
Sunday in Foxborough isn’t just another playoff game-it’s a shot at history. And the Texans know exactly what’s at stake.