The Cleveland Browns, with all the injuries they faced and quarterbacks they rotated through this year, weren’t even supposed to be in the playoffs.
The Houston Texans, who drafted rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, were hoping to see better on-field results this year. Playoffs were a dream, but not something that seemed entirely possible.
Both teams faced off in an AFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday, with Stroud and rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans overwhelming Cleveland in a 45-14 blowout.
We talked about former Tar Heel Charlie Heck starting this game at right tackle, but it was instead George Fant who did so. Heck actually came on in the first half as an injury replacement, with Texans All-Pro starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil leaving due to a knee injury.
Laremy Tunsil is QUESTIONABLE with a knee injury.
George Fant will move to left tackle. Charlie Heck will come in at a RT.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) January 13, 2024
Heck helped block for a Houston team that hung 356 yards of offense on the NFL’s top-ranked defense, which limited Houston to just 250 yards on Christmas Eve. Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, while Texans running back Devin Singletary ran for 66 yards and a score.
Good news for UNC fans – Heck isn’t the only former Tar Heel in the NFL postseason. Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards and Detroit Lions wide receiver Antoine Green play this evening, with both hoping to help their respective teams to Wild Card victories.
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