Two of the major reasons why the Texans advanced to the AFC divisional round were the upgrades they made with their red-zone offense and pass protection.
Problematic throughout the season as the Texans ranked 31st in red-zone offense, the AFC South champions scored touchdowns on each of their three trips inside the Oakland Raiders' 20-yard line.
After allowing a combined eight sacks and 16 quarterback hits against the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans, the Texans' offensive line yielded zero sacks or quarterback hits to the Raiders.
"They had to improve in order for us to be able to move on," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said.