The first NFL playoff game of the season is off and running, but it has been far from perfect. No sequence better demonstrated that than a late first-quarter set of possessions for the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
With the score set at 7-0 Kansas City, the Texans needed a response. Instead, they got a Brian Hoyer interception, thrown to one of the best stories in the NFL this season — safety Eric Berry.
The Chiefs took over deep in Texans territory, but it didn’t turn into guaranteed points. Instead, Alex Smith’s very next pass (the second play of the KC drive) was tipped by wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. It floated into prime position for Houston linebacker Brian Cushing to pick it off.
All of that and no points for either team, as the bad version of Brian Hoyer would strike again.
This time, Hoyer wouldn’t toss a pick, but he let the ball slip out of his hands and ruin an 11-play drive that had the Texans at the Chiefs’ 30-yard line.
Hoyer started 6-10 for 45 yards with the interception and lost fumble. Given the craziness that has been the quarterback position in Houston, there aren’t many options but to stick with Hoyer as he works through tough moments in the first half.
