Nothing says “we’re really serious about a playoff run” quite like chomping down on a cigar in the locker room after a win in the AFC wild-card round.
And nothing says “we’re focused on the task at hand” quite like calling out a ESPN analyst such as Rex Ryan, who would like to be the Jets’ coach again, on an Instagram live-stream.
Then again, Joe Mixon does have good reason to celebrate.
“We’re smoking on that Rex Ryan bye week pack,” the running back told his social media followers as he puffed away on a cigar after his Texans’ 32-12 takedown of the Chargers on Saturday night.
Mixon — who finished the contest with 119 all-purpose yards and one touchdown — clearly took to heart the comments the former Jets and Bills head coach made during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up” morning show earlier in the week.
“Chargers, basically … I never realized they get a bye on Saturday. Oh wait, they gotta play [the Texans]. What’s the difference?” Ryan had said.
When asked what he thought of those comments earlier in the week, Mixon had responded, “I’m just here to let my helmet and shoulder pads do the talking … I’m not gonna comment.”
A big playoff win and a little nicotine, however, was all it took to commence the comments flowing.
Though Ryan didn’t pick his winner correctly, it seems he was in the right vein likening Saturday’s contest to a bye.
Rams quarterback Justin Herbert looked unprepared to play four quarters of football, throwing a career-high four interceptions and just one touchdown.
Houston’s defense brought heavy pressure all game long, sacking Herbert on four occasions and holding the Chargers’ typically potent ground offense to just 50 yards.
Los Angeles mustered just 12 points — far from their season average of 23.6 — and gained just 261 all-purpose yards to the Texans’ 429.
C.J. Stroud struggled out of the gate, but found his form midway through the second quarter.
By game’s end, Stroud had amassed one touchdown and 282 yards through the air, plus another 42 from on the ground.
