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If anything, these Texans know how to close out a game
As C.J. Stroud’s third-down pass floated through the air and into the hands of Nico Collins for a game-clinching first down late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Will Anderson Jr. couldn’t contain his body.
The euphoria he felt after Stroud and Collins connected on the game’s most important play, caused him to jump up and down uncontrollably like he was a kid again.
“I low-key had to stop myself,” Anderson said with a laugh. “I was like ‘Dawg, you are too childish.’ But it was exciting. That’s what this team is built off.
“Built off having fun and seeing your brothers make big plays.”
Nickel cornerback Jalen Pitre had a nickname for the duo.
“C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins: Kobe and Shaq,” Pitre said, pausing for effect. “Just throw the alley-oop. He’s not even looking yet. It was beautiful to watch.”
That play was arguably the biggest, and the Texans needed it to avoid an epic collapse against one of the NFL’s worst teams.
The Raiders (2-13) never once backed down, despite their poor record. In fact, had they stopped the Texans on that third-and-8, they would have had one final opportunity to take the lead and win it.
But the Texans did what they’ve done for all of this seven-game winning streak.
They made critical plays when it mattered most, beating the Raiders 23-21 at NRG Stadium.
Now, after beginning the season 3-5, the Texans are 10-5 and can clinch their playoff spot with a Colts loss Monday and a win next Saturday at the Chargers.
“A lot of teams could have folded, but our guys didn’t,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Our guys stayed the course. Our coaches stayed the course. Our team has always believed, no matter how it looked at the beginning of the season, they’ve always believed.”
It certainly was not a pretty win. The Texans have plenty to clean up on both sides.
Read the rest of my analysis from Sunday's game here.
 | Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter |