TOUGH FINISH, BRIGHT FUTURE

There they were in the 4^th quarter, with a shot. Ultimately, the Texans didn't make the plays down the stretch, as their season came to halt, falling to Kansas City 23-14.

The offense had issues getting going but eventually warmed up. Special Teams had an uncharacteristic rough game. And the defense kept things close and forced the Chiefs to make some big time plays.

The opening drive started with a huge kick return that put KC in the red zone, after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

The D stood up and forced a field goal. The Texans responded with a field goal drive of their own. After the Chiefs took a 6-3 lead, Houston put together a drive that ended in Chiefs territory. A missed 55-yard field goal gave Patrick Mahomes a short field and he capitalized with a touchdown drive that shot the lead to ten.

Houston responded with a field goal march of its own, as the halftime deficit was 13-6.

The opening possession of the third quarter gobbled up over ten minutes. Joe Mixon scampered into the endzone on a 13-yard run, and all felt right in the universe. But, like four weeks ago, a missed extra point prevented the tie and things were never quite the same.

Yes, Houston got the ball back twice with the deficit at one score. The first time, a go-for-it attempt on 4^th and ten ended up as a 16-yard sack. The Chiefs were about to put the game away.

But they couldn't - thanks to yet another big defensive stop. Yet, the ensuing drive went nowhere and the Texans were not able to stop a short-field field goal drive that all but put the game away.

STRONG PERFORMANCES

C.J. Stroud played well but took eight sacks. Mixon had 88 rushing yards and scored. Will Anderson Jr. had two sacks, giving him a robust and team record 3.5 in this post season.

Now comes the offseason. No two years are alike. Expect roster changes as Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans look to fortify the team.

NO TWO OFFSEASONS ARE THE SAME

This year's Texans gave us many thrills. We have to look back fondly on sweeping the Colts, beating Buffalo, the dramatic home win over the Jags, the clutch win vs an improving Miami team. And, most of all, a home playoff victory over the Chargers that put the Texans home post season record at 6-2.

That's the big thing – play this round, and hopefully the next, at home. It didn't happen this year. But this was still a very productive season. Being in the final eight and having a shot in the 4^th quarter to advance to the AFC Championship game is no small feat.

For now, we'll feel this one and reflect on the rest of the campaign. Soon enough, it'll be time to rev it up again for the next run.

Have a great offseason and thank you for listening, reading and being a great fan.