Texans Surge Past Chiefs, But All Eyes on CJ Stroud’s Postgame Snub
The Houston Texans didn’t just beat the defending champs on Sunday night - they made a statement. A 20-10 road win over the Kansas City Chiefs vaulted the Texans into the AFC playoff picture and sent a clear message: this team is no longer rebuilding. They’re ready to compete.
But while the defense was busy frustrating Patrick Mahomes and leaving Travis Kelce so exasperated he declined to speak to the media, it was a moment after the final whistle that had social media buzzing - and it had nothing to do with X’s and O’s.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud, walking off the field after one of the biggest wins of his young career, appeared to leave Texans owner Cal McNair hanging on a high-five.
The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral. Whether it was intentional or just a case of postgame tunnel vision, the interaction - or lack thereof - added a layer of drama to what was otherwise a triumphant night for Houston.
Stroud Stays Steady, Texans Stay Hot
Stroud didn’t need to light up the stat sheet to get the job done. He finished with 203 passing yards and a touchdown - efficient, composed, and in control.
That’s been the theme in recent weeks. While he hasn’t quite replicated the jaw-dropping numbers from earlier in the season, Stroud continues to play winning football.
And that’s exactly what the Texans need right now.
At 8-5, Houston now controls its own destiny in the playoff race. They’re just one game back of the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South, and with the way this defense is playing, they’ve got a real shot at making noise down the stretch.
DeMeco Ryans Has This Team Believing
Head coach DeMeco Ryans deserves a ton of credit for this turnaround. Since taking the reins in 2023, Ryans has brought a level of discipline, energy, and defensive toughness that Houston had been missing for years.
His unit held Mahomes and the Chiefs to just 10 points - a rare feat in today’s NFL. The Texans defense was fast, physical, and relentless, making life miserable for one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
It’s a night that underscores how far this franchise has come in a short time. And it also highlights how much has changed in the front office.
From Front Office Missteps to a Franchise Reset
McNair’s tenure as owner hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. The decision to give Bill O’Brien general manager powers in 2019 - a move that led to the ousting of then-GM Brian Gaine - backfired in a big way. O’Brien was fired during the 2020 season, and the team cycled through David Culley and Lovie Smith in back-to-back one-and-done coaching stints.
But credit where it’s due: the pairing of GM Nick Caserio and Ryans looks like the right call. The culture has shifted.
The locker room has bought in. And with Stroud under center, the Texans finally have a young quarterback who can lead them into the future.
A Playoff Push Within Reach
The Texans don’t just look like a team on the rise - they look like a team ready to win now. With three games left on the schedule, they’re firmly in the mix for both a division title and a wild-card spot. Winning out would guarantee them a postseason berth, and based on how they just handled the Chiefs, that’s a very real possibility.
As for the postgame moment between Stroud and McNair? Time will tell if it was anything more than a misread in the chaos of celebration. But one thing is clear: Stroud’s focus is on winning, and right now, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
The Texans are back. And they’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore.