Controversial penalty sinks Chargers’ comeback bid in loss to Texans

The officials might want to look at this one again.

In the final minutes of the Chargers’ 20-16 loss to the Texans on Saturday, quarterback CJ Stroud was sacked for a nine-yard loss — subsequently killing Houston’s drive.

However, Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still was hit with a late flag on the play, with officials citing illegal contact away from the play.

Rather than forcing a fourth down, the Texans were given a fresh set of downs and were able to run out the clock, ending Los Angeles’ chances at a comeback win.

Still and Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson did make contact throughout the play, but many believed that it did not warrant a penalty.

The Texans, who are now on an eight-game win streak, clinched a playoff spot with Saturday’s win — the Colts got caught in the crossfire and were eliminated due to the Chargers’ loss.

While talking to reporters following the game, Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans citied his team’s comeback win against the Jaguars on Nov. 9 as what turned their season around.

“For us to be down as far as we were in that game, and to have our backup quarterback Davis Mills have such a clutch performance to get us into a position to win that game, I feel like that was the game that flipped our season,” Ryans said.

Stroud, who has helped lead Houston to back-to-back playoff appearances headed into this season, said that he immediately knew that this year’s Texans team could do great things.

When asked by reporters on when he knew that the Texans were special this season, Stroud instantly replied by saying, “training camp.”

The Texans are set to face off against the Colts next Sunday in Houston for their final game in the regular season.