In a thrilling wild-card game defined by stellar defensive performances and key moments from quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans advanced to the divisional round for the second consecutive year, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12. While the game itself was filled with excitement, a postgame moment involving Texans running back Joe Mixon and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan added extra drama to the narrative.
After the victory, Joe Mixon took to Instagram Live to celebrate with his teammates. In the video, he made a pointed comment directed at Ryan, saying, “Smoking on that Rex Ryan bye-week pack,” while enjoying a celebratory cigar. This statement left many fans and analysts wondering: what exactly caused this rift between Mixon and Ryan?
The tension between Mixon and Ryan stems from comments made by the former NFL head coach during an episode of ESPN’s Get Up. Leading up to the wild-card matchup, Ryan dismissed the Texans as a serious contender, remarking, “I never realized the Chargers got a bye… but they did because they’re playing Houston!” The dismissive comment clearly did not sit well with Mixon and his teammates, serving as motivation for their dominant performance against the Chargers.
The Texans used Ryan’s words as bulletin-board material, channeling the disrespect into fuel for their playoff victory. Mixon, in particular, seemed determined to prove Ryan wrong. The running back played a pivotal role in the Texans’ offensive game plan, finishing the day with 25 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He also added a reception for 13 yards, showcasing his versatility in a game where the Texans outclassed their opponent in nearly every facet.
Mixon’s performance was instrumental in helping the Texans control the clock and seal the win. Although he started the game somewhat slowly, he came alive when it mattered most. Late in the fourth quarter, with just over four minutes remaining, Mixon delivered a highlight-reel moment. After stiff-arming a Chargers defender to pick up a critical first down, he continued to showcase his power and vision on the ground. The defining play came moments later on a 4th-and-1. Mixon burst through a gap in the Chargers’ defensive line, stiff-armed another defender, and absorbed a hit from Kristian Fulton before finding the end zone, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Ryan’s comment about the Texans essentially handing the Chargers a “bye week” was intended to underscore Houston’s perceived inferiority. However, the Texans flipped the narrative entirely, proving they were not only a worthy opponent but also a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. Mixon’s postgame jab at Ryan was the culmination of a week of motivation fueled by the analyst’s dismissive remarks.
The Texans’ victory over the Chargers also marked another impressive playoff performance from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who rebounded from a slow start to guide the team effectively. While the Texans’ defense set the tone with dominant play, Stroud and Mixon provided the necessary firepower to secure the win. The triumph ensures Houston a spot in the divisional round, where they will aim to make history by reaching the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.
For Mixon, the game was yet another chapter in what has been a standout season. The running back eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the eighth time this year and notched his 13th touchdown, continuing to establish himself as a cornerstone of the Texans’ offense. His ability to perform in high-pressure moments, as demonstrated in the closing minutes against the Chargers, highlights his value to the team’s postseason success.
Meanwhile, Ryan’s comments added an extra layer of intrigue to what was already a compelling matchup. Analysts often provide their candid opinions on teams and players, but in this case, Ryan’s words served as a rallying cry for the Texans. Mixon’s direct callout of the ESPN analyst underscores how much athletes can use perceived slights as motivation, turning criticism into fuel for success.
The Texans’ playoff journey is far from over, but their dismantling of the Chargers sends a clear message to the rest of the NFL: this team is hungry, motivated, and ready to compete at the highest level. With Mixon leading the charge on the ground and Stroud finding his rhythm as a young quarterback, Houston appears poised to make a deep postseason run.
As for Rex Ryan, his comments may have backfired, becoming a source of inspiration for the Texans rather than a mark of doubt. The back-and-forth between Ryan and Mixon adds an entertaining subplot to the NFL playoffs, reminding fans that the league’s biggest moments aren’t limited to the field. For Mixon, getting the last laugh was the perfect way to cap off a dominant team performance.
Now, the Texans turn their attention to the divisional round, where they’ll aim to keep their momentum rolling and continue their quest for a championship. Whether or not Ryan has more to say about Houston remains to be seen, but for now, the Texans and their star running back have silenced one of their critics in emphatic fashion.
