J.J. Watt didn't have a signature moment like he did in last year's Wild Card playoff game against Cincinnati, but he was almost just as productive.
The Pro Bowler and Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner recorded four tackles, two tipped passes, one sack and two other tackles for loss in Saturday's matchup against the Bengals, helping the Texans to a 19-13 victory and Divisional Round playoff bid.
"It feels good," Watt said in a press conference following the victory. "It's a playoff game, and to win a playoff game is a tough thing to accomplish in this league, but it's one step. We know what it means, and we have bigger goals."
Houston will head to New England next Sunday to face Tom Brady and company in a rematch of the Texans' 42-14 Week 14 loss.
"It's a good challenge," Watt said. "Obviously, we didn't play as well as we can play last time we were there. They're a very good football team. They're very tough in their own building. Nobody said the road to the Super Bowl is easy. You got to go and earn it."
With his sack on Saturday, Watt now has 4.5 sacks in three career playoff games. There was no iconic moment this time of running to the end zone like last year when he scored on a 29-yard interception return against the Bengals, but Watt was asked if this game was even better.
"I didn't score seven points, so no," Watt said with a smile. "I had fun out there, and we won the game. That's all that matters. Individual things are petty compared to the team goals."
