(Baltimore) Read the game reports from Saturday, January 6 in the NFL.
Updated at 7:34 a.m.
Rookie CJ Stroud made all the right decisions in the most important game of his NFL career to help the Houston Texans advance to the playoffs.
Stroud passed for 264 yards and two touchdowns, Devin Singletary scored the game-winning touchdown with a three-yard run with 6:20 remaining and the Texans defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-19 on Saturday.
“Everyone fights until the last game,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said as his players celebrated the club’s first playoff appearance since 2019. “We got our ticket. »
The wait is now on for the Texans (10-7), who have won seven of their last 10 meetings. They could also clinch the American South Division title if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
The Colts (9-8) are consequently eliminated by virtue of a third defeat in five weeks. They haven’t played a playoff game since 2020.
Stroud completed 20 of 26 passes. Nico Collins caught nine passes for 195 yards and a major, and Singletary rushed for 64 yards on 24 carries.
The Colts found themselves in a fourth down and one yard situation at the Texans 15 yard line late in the fourth quarter. Completely alone, Tyler Goodson fumbled a pass from Gardner Minshew, putting an end to his team’s hopes.
“We all have games we would like to see again,” Minshew said. The fact that it is the last amplifies this feeling. I said [à Goodson] that I would throw the ball to him every time. I trust him. »
The Indiana club’s defeat spoiled Jonathan Taylor’s best game this season. He had 30 rushing plays for 188 yards and a touchdown. Minshew connected with his receivers 13 times on 24 throws for 141 yards.
The game started with a 75-yard passing touchdown on the first play of the Texans offensive unit.
After a 49-yard touchdown run by Taylor and a successful two-point conversion in the third quarter, the Colts tied the game 14-14.
Head coach Shane Steichen’s decision to attempt a 57-yard field goal attempt — missed by Matt Gay — allowed the Texans to quickly put themselves in scoring position. Ka’imi Fairbairn made a 51-yard field goal to give the visitors the lead.
Gay tied the game with a 35-yard field goal, but Stroud responded with a 12-play, 73-yard drive lasting more than seven minutes that ended with Singletary’s touchdown run.
Michael Marot, Associated Press
Steelers in playoffs if Bills or Jaguars lose
PHOTO MITCH STRINGER, USA TODAY SPORTS VIA REUTERS CON
Najee Harris (23)
Mason Rudolph threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson and the Pittsburgh Steelers took a step toward the playoffs on Saturday, handing a 17-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Johnson scored his touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Rudolph has guided the Steelers (10-7) to victory in three straight games.
The club will advance to the playoffs if the Buffalo Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins, or if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans. These matches will take place on Sunday.
“We could have left them out of the picture, but here they have a chance,” said Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. The result is unpleasant, but we have several reasons to be confident. Nobody is discouraged. If we find them on our way, we’ll be ready. »
Steelers’ TJ Watt, NFL leader with 19 sacks, including two on Saturday, left because of a knee injury in the third quarter.
The Ravens (13-4) were already assured of the best record in the AFC, hence the decision to give star quarterback Lamar Jackson a break.
They also left out a number of their regular players. Their starting quarterback was Tyler Huntley.
Both clubs struggled in attack on a rainy and windy day.
With the score 7-7, Rudolph spotted Johnson at midfield for what became the key play of the game.
There was then a placement on each side.
The Ravens had won six games in a row.
Rudolph completed 18 of 20 passes for 152 yards.
Each team fumbled the ball twice.
Pittsburgh took the lead via a six-yard touchdown run from Najee Harris in the first quarter.
The Ravens had to wait until the second quarter to get a first down.
In this engagement, they tied the score thanks to a 27-yard touchdown pass from Huntley to Isaiah Likely.
The Steelers found a way to win a fourth straight game at M&T Bank Stadium.
“It’s a tough place to play,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. (As for making the playoffs), we accomplished our goal for the day by completing enough games to win. We’ll see what happens next. »
The Ravens have a bye until the second round of the playoffs, where they will play in front of their fans.
Noah Trister, Associated Press
2024-01-07 01:16:11
#Saturday #NFL #Texans #advance #playoffs
