The Houston Texans picked up a huge 30-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals to move to 5-4 on the season, and it was a statement win for a team that won just three games a year ago. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans made a statement in his press conference as well, basically announcing the arrival of the Texans.

“Whatever happened in the past is in the past,” DeMeco Ryans said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. “We're the 2023 Texans.”

The biggest reason why the Texans have succeeded so far this season is the play of rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, who completed 23-of-39 passes for 356 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the win over the Bengals. He led a drive into field goal range for the game winner after the Bengals tied the game at 27 as well.

This is two weeks in a row that CJ Stroud has led game-winning drives. Last week it was a touchdown drive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while this week it is a field goal drive against a team. that is viewed as a contender in the AFC.

As a result of the win, the Texans are in the thick of the AFC wild card race with a bunch of teams who also have five wins. With the Jacksonvile Jaguars losing to the San Francisco 49ers, Houston is also a game out of the division.

Last time, the Texans beat the Jaguars for their first win of the season. The Texans have a game against the Arizona Cardinals before meeting the Jaguars again for what could be a massive game.

The Texans will look to continue making statements like DeMeco Ryans did today.