The Houston Texans had a 2023-24 NFL season to remember. Despite a 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens earlier today, they certainly exceeded expectations this season. A lot of the credit deserves to go to the rookie duo of quarterback C.J. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans. However, the loss today did end a notable rookie playoff trend.
Failing to Make the AFC Championship
Stroud and Ryans became just the third rookie quarterback and head coach duo to win an NFL playoff game in the modern era. The other two were notable because both of the prior duos not only won a playoff game but ended up making the AFC Championship. So, who were the other two duos?
The most recent was the New York Jets in the 2009-10 season. They were led by QB Mark Sanchez and head coach Rex Ryan. The next duo may be more familiar.
Ironically, it involved John Harbaugh, the head coach who eliminated the Texans today. The 2008-09 season was his first year as a head coach in the NFL. Back then, he led the Baltimore Ravens to the AFC Championship with rookie QB Joe Flacco.
By most accounts, coming up one game short of the AFC Championship would not be looked at as a failure. It still will not likely be looked at that way for the Texans. However, the trend should show just how high of a standard Harbaugh set in his very first year.
John Harbaugh Irony
It is a little bit ironic that Harbaugh ended this streak for the reasons mentioned above. Harbaugh is now in his 16th year as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Now, he has changed quarterbacks, teaming up with Lamar Jackson for the last six seasons.
Houston Texans Moving Forward
This was a very promising season for the Houston Texans. Last year, they had the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. They used it on Stroud, who is looking like he could be their quarterback for the next decade.
Now, the Texans won the AFC South and have Stroud on a rookie contract for a few more seasons. DeMeco Ryans is also looking like he was the right man to lead this team. Despite a promising season, Houston will have to stay sharp with all of the talent surrounding them in the AFC South.
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