The first-year coach knew one explosive play could be the difference between leaving NRG Stadium on Christmas Eve a game closer to making the postseason or entering a winner-take-all showdown heading into the home finale. It wasn’t one big-time play from Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler receiver Amari Cooper. It was several. Cooper broke free on the game’s first play for a gain of 53 yards. He later blazed past D’Angelo Ross on a vertical pattern for a 75-yard score in the second quarter. Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce breaks free for a 98-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Brown at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports And the Texas offense? It was invisible until Ryans waved the white flag and turned to Davis Mills. Case Keenum never found a rhythm, the run game was obsolete and countless miscues at the line of scrimmage factored into a 36-22 loss at home. Take away whatever you want overall from Sunday’s Christmas Eve massacre, but there’s one flaw starring everyone in the face. Houston needs rookie C.J. Stroud if they stand a chance of making the postseason. Even then, nothing is promised. “For us, we have to play better football,” Ryans said postgame. “Before we have an opportunity to talk about playoffs or get in, we’ve got to play better. You have to earn those spots to get into the playoffs. Until then, we have to do a much better job collectively.” Stroud, the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after ranking second in passing yards heading into Week 14, missed his second consecutive game due to concussion protocol. He’s made strides to return to the field, but doctors have yet to clear him for padded practice. No, Stroud’s presence might not have secured the win, but it would have made the game enjoyable. Houston’s offense hasn’t finished with 250 total yards or fewer since last season, also known as ‘Pre-C.J.’ by those who remember the dark times. At least Houston would’ve found the end zone once with No. 7 under center, right? Mills scored twice, albeit against a combination of starters and second-teamers, but the No. 2 pick’s persona and poise in the pocket would’ve put up six points by halftime. Instead, Keenum, who led the Texans to a 19-16 win over the Tennessee Titans last week, took center stage again. After forcing the game to overtime in Nissan Stadium, it seemed like the right call.
