Ex-Browns LB Emmanuel Acho warns Chiefs to be wary of Texans in AFC Divisional round: “They need to be concerned”
FOX Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho who shared field with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans claimed that his team will make it difficult for Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs in AFC Divisional round.
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Patrick Mahomes and Emmanuel Acho (Image via IMAGO/X)
Emmanuel Acho knows a thing or two about NFL defense and he has sent a warning to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to refrain from underestimating the Houston Texans. After securing the fourth seed, CJ Stroud and the Texans blew away the Los Angeles Chargers to set up a divisional-round matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Acho possesses first-hand knowledge of how Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans operates due to their time together in Philadelphia. Despite Mahomes’ unblemished 6-0 playoff record, the former linebacker turned football analyst believes the Chiefs might find it difficult against the Texans on Saturday.
During a recent segment of FS1’s The Facility, Acho announced caution to the Chiefs to be wary of the Houston franchise.
I don’t know if anybody else gonna say it, [but the] Chiefs should be concerned about this game. If you know DeMeco Ryans, like I know DeMeco Ryans, play with me in Philly like Shady [LeSean McCoy] knows DeMeco Ryans. The Chiefs should be concerned about this game.
Emmanuel Acho said.
.@EmmanuelAcho says the Chiefs should be concerned about the Texans 👀 pic.twitter.com/hvbIZubgEx
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) January 15, 2025
The Texans’ defensive prowess was on full display against the Chargers. Will Anderson Jr., Mario Edwards Jr., and Denico Autrey combined to log 3.5 sacks on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. They further forced four interceptions—twice to Derek Stingley Jr.
Patrick Mahomes expects a big challenge from the Texans
Despite a bad final-day outing against the Denver Broncos, Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs finished their 2024 campaign with a 15-2 record and the top seed in the AFC. One of those wins (19-27) came against the Texans in week 16. Mahomes threw one passing and one rushing touchdown while completing 28 of his passes for 260 yards.
Mahomes understands the challenge posed by the Texans, especially their elite defense.
That defense is extremely real. They have a great quarterback and a great coach. When we played them this last time, it was a hard-fought game. They have really good secondary players and the linebackers fly around. So it’ll be a great challenge for us.
Patrick Mahomes said. (HT/AS USA)
➖#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was asked what he saw from the #Texans win against the #Chargers
— sidelinesarah (@sidelinesarah) January 14, 2025
🗣️ “Yeah I think what everybody’s kind of known. That defense is extremely real. They have a great quarterback [CJ Stroud] and a great coach [DeMeco Ryans]. We knew when we played them… pic.twitter.com/JVPnZ7Tg3a
Mahomes has faced the Texans in the playoffs once before in 2019. The Texans led by Deshaun Watson took a 24-0 lead at halftime. However, Mahomes threw five touchdowns in the second half-three consecutive touchdowns to star tight end Travis Kelce to win the game 31-51. The 29-year-old threw 29 completions for 321 yards while Kelce caught 10 passes for 134 yards.
Running back Damien Williams logged 12 carries, 2 rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown. As per early predictions, the Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Texans and face the winner of the fixture between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
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Ishan Misra
(3035 Articles Published)