This Chiefs-Texans game will be different than the first. Here are five reasons why
The ebb and flow of an NFL season is wiped clean upon the commencement of the playoffs. The records, the statistics, even the momentum
Or, say, a previous meeting.
The Chiefs will play host to the Texans at 2:05 p.m. Sunday in the AFC Divisional round, a rematch of a Week 6 game that Houston won 31-24 at Arrowhead Stadium. But in a measure that stretches beyond coaches’ speak or player cliche, that game will be rendered meaningless upon one quarter, one drive or even one play.
“Every team changes throughout the season — they develop their personality,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We’ve all got the highs and the lows. You kinda work through that. Then here you sit.
“We’re not the same as we were at the beginning. They’re not the same as they were at the beginning. So here we go.”
These two teams, in particular, are quite different than they were 84 days ago. Let us count the ways:
1. It’s not the same Chiefs defensive line
The Chiefs have two Pro Bowl selections from their defensive line — tackle Chris Jones and end Frank Clark. Jones didn’t play against the Texans. Clark played through a pinched nerve injury, he later revealed.
As a result, Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson roamed freely and untouched. He wasn’t sacked once, one of only two games this season in which he didn’t succumb to pressure. The Texans have struggled to protect Watson throughout the year and especially recently. After the Bills recorded seven sacks last weekend, Houston has allowed 16 sacks in the past three games.
Also helping the Chiefs for the rematch: The defensive line has since been bolstered by in-season acquisitions Terrell Suggs and Mike Pennel.
2. The Texans secondary
The Chiefs weren’t the only team hampered by injuries in the regular season meeting. The Texans didn’t have cornerback Jonathan Joseph, and fellow starter Bradley Roby departed the game because of an injury.
Roby and Joseph are the two highest-graded cornerbacks on the Texans’ roster, per Pro Football Focus. The Texans allow the fourth-most passing yards in the league, 267.2 per game. Roby is expected to play, but Joseph’s status remains in doubt after he missed the Wild Card game because of a hamstring ailment.
3. A clean bill of health
During a season in which injuries became Story Line No. 1 in Kansas City, the Chiefs were never more affected than during the Texans game.
Take a look at the list of starters didn’t play in Week 6:
Eric Fisher, OL
Anthony Hitchens, LB
Chris Jones, DT
Sammy Watkins, WR
Andrew Wylie, OL
Add to that, in his first game back from a shoulder injury, wide receiver Tyreek Hill played only half the snaps. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes worked on a bum ankle.
On Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced the full roster is expected to practice this week. Zero absences.
4. The Chiefs defense appears to have figured it out
We’re not just talking personnel here. At some point during this season — and ironically enough, it came directly after the loss to Houston — something clicked with the Chiefs defense in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s first season.
Tyrann Mathieu has been lights out, good enough lately to earn AFC defensive player of the month honors. The defensive line has been consistent. The secondary is shutting down top wide receivers.
But nowhere has the unit improved more than in its rush defense. The Texans gouged the Chiefs for 192 yards on the ground in that 7-point win. During a six-game winning streak to end the regular season, the Chiefs allowed 95 rushing yards per game.
Overall, after the Texans totaled 472 yards against them, the Chiefs permitted just one opponent to top 400 yards in the final 10 weeks.
5. The Texans run defense became a liability
OK, so a caveat first: J.J. Watt is back for the Texans, and his presence should solve at least some of these woes. But even after a sack against the Bills over the weekend in his return from a torn pectoral muscle, Watt acknowledged he’s not playing at 100%.
An early season strength for the Texans transformed to a late year concern. They held the Chiefs to 53 rushing yards in October. They’ve let seven of their past eight opponents top 100 yards and averaged 169 yards against per game there — and that includes 172 against Buffalo with Watt on the field.
A good sign for the Chiefs: Damien Williams looks to be back in playoff form, accounting for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games. His first meeting against Houston? One carry, six yards.
This story was originally published January 7, 2020 at 5:00 AM.