(Troy Taormina)
In a wild-card game highlighted by strong defensive play and a few key plays from C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans are heading to the divisional round for the second year in a row after defeating the Chargers 32-12.
After the game, Texans’ starting running back Joe Mixon called out former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan.
In a postgame Instagram live video, Mixon can be seen saying, “Smoking on that Rex Ryan bye-week pack,” while puffing on a victory cigar.
What exactly is going on between these two that led to Mixon calling out Ryan postgame?
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Why is Joe Mixon calling out Rex Ryan?
Heading into the Texans’ wild-card matchup with the Chargers, Ryan appeared on one of ESPN’s morning shows, “Get Up.” When host Mike Greenberg asked Ryan what he thought about this game, Ryan said, “I never realized the Chargers got a bye…But they did because they’re playing Houston!”
This quote clearly became bulletin-board material for the Texans, with Mixon taking it personally. After taking down the Chargers, Mixon had some words for Ryan in an Instagram live video.
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Joe Mixon stats vs. Chargers
| Carries | 25 |
| Rushing Yards | 106 |
| Yard per Carry | 4.2 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Targets | 2 |
| Receptions | 1 |
| Receiving Yards | 13 |
In the Texans’ quest to prove Ryan wrong, Mixon certainly held up his end of the bargain. He eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the eighth time this season while punching in his 13th touchdown.
Mixon got off to a slow start against the Chargers, but he played a key role in burning the clock and putting away the game for Houston. With just over four minutes remaining in the game, Mixon had a nasty stiff-arm to pick up a key first down.
Later in that drive, Mixon had the play that put the game on ice. On 4th-and-1, he found a gap in the Chargers’ defensive line, delivered yet another stiff-arm, and absorbed a hit from Kristian Fulton on his way to the end zone.
After disrespecting the Texans ahead of this one, it was Mixon and his teammates who got the last laugh. Houston will now look to break through to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.
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