The Houston Texans made an odd decision in the fourth quarter of the divisional round game versus the New England Patriots on Sunday.
With the Texans trailing by two scores late in the fourth quarter with just over four minutes left, Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans decided to punt the ball away despite the fact that the Texans really needed to go for it.
Why did the Texans make that decision?
Here's what we know.
Why Texans punted late in 4th quarter vs. Patriots
It's hard to say what the thought process was there.
Granted, the Texans' offense had been bad the whole game thanks to a poor showing from quarterback C.J. Stroud that featured four interceptions, and Houston was deep in its own territory when the punt happened.
But the Texans literally had nothing to lose by going for it. That was their last gasp in a game that saw their season on the line.
Even trying to rationalize the decision by saying the Texans were hoping their great defense would force a turnover to create a short field doesn't make sense.
The Texans and everyone on the planet knew the Patriots would run the clock out as much as possible upon getting the ball back, so a turnover was a lot less likely than if New England had to throw the football.
Ryans punting in that situation amounts to waiving the white flag on the season, which is completely inexcusable.
More NFL News
- Josh Allen sheds tears during postgame presser after loss to Broncos
- Bills veteran announces desire to only play for Buffalo or retire
- Browns rumor could complicate Giants' offensive coordinator search
- Seahawks playoff win is bad news for Raiders, Ravens, Dolphins
- Kenneth Walker contract looms large after dominant game vs. 49ers