712 Digital Group - top

Texans different team than in playoff loss to Chiefs

Sports

September 16th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

HOUSTON (AP) – The Houston Texans certainly aren’t dwelling on their 30-0 wild-card playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare to face them again Sunday. However, it’s impossible to forget the embarrassing home defeat in January in their first playoff game since 2012.

“When that was our last loss of last season, it’s a tough one,” Houston’s J.J. Watt said. “It’s definitely a little bit on your mind, but I think it’s a new year, new season. We’re really excited about this one.”

Though that game wasn’t very long ago, a lot has changed for the Texans since. The biggest difference is an upgrade at quarterback in Brock Osweiler after Brian Hoyer had five turnovers in the playoff loss. Houston also added running back Lamar Miller and drafted receiver Will Fuller in the first round to add more weapons to an offense featuring DeAndre Hopkins.

“They’re a better football team now than when we played them the last time, and they are healthier,” Kansas City coach Andy Reid said. “They’ve added some new additions, so I think we’re going up against a better football team.”

This will be the third time these teams have met in just more than a year after they opened the season against each other in 2015. The fact that all three games have been in Houston adds to the oddity.

You can hear the game beginning at Noon Sunday, here on KJAN.