McClain Report Card: A season-high for A-plus or higher in Texans' playoff win over Browns

The most decisive playoff butt-kicking in franchise history and one of the most lopsided in Houston playoff history. From a 14-10 deficit to a 45-14 victory, the Texans obliterated the Browns.

What a surprising transformation it was, too. Cleveland defeated the Texans 36-22 on Christmas Eve, and revenge was sweet for DeMeco Ryans and his coaches and players. Not to mention fans who celebrated the Texans advancing into the divisional round and the Browns going home.

Grade: A-plus

C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. His rating was 157.2. It was an impressive performance in front of a national-television audience and NFL media from across the country. After throwing for 236 yards in the first half against the league’s No. 1 defense, Stroud coasted in the second half with 38 yards.

Grade: A-plus

Because C.J. Stroud and the defense were dominating, Devin Singletary received only 13 carries, but he gained 66 yards, a 5.1-yard average. His longest run was 29 yards. He had a 23-yarder called back because of a penalty.

Grade: B-minus

Nico Collins led the Texans with six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. He was clutch whenever called on. John Metchie III had his most impressive game. He caught three passes for 44 yards, including a 27-yard gain. He also blocked well. Xavier Hutchison made two big plays, including a clearing block on Brevin Jordan’s 76-yard touchdown reception.

Grade: B-plus

Not many teams have tight ends who combine for a 56.5-yard average per catch, but the Texans do.

Talk about making the most of your opportunities.

Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan combined for two catches – touchdowns of 76 yards (Jordan) and 37 yards (Schultz). Jordan’s touchdown was a thing of beauty going down the right sideline, picking up blocks and outrunning the Cleveland defenders. Schultz caught his touchdown going full speed on a crossing route.

Grade: A

The best performance by the linemen this season.

Going against the NFL’s top defense and end Myles Garrett, who could be voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Laremy Tunsil was exceptional. His linemates also did a terrific job. Not only was C.J. Stroud not sacked, but he was knocked down only one time.

Grade: A-plus

Will Anderson Jr., Derek Barnett and Kurt Hinish sacked Joe Flacco. They combined for six of the Texans’ seven quarterback hits and five of the 11 tackles for losses. They did an outstanding job stopping the run.

The Browns rushed for 56 yards and 2.8 per carry. They were disruptive and put a lot of pressure on Joe Flacco.

Grade: A

Christian Harris played his best game. He had a 36-yard pick-6, a sack and eight tackles, including two for losses. Harris was physical against the run and did a solid job in coverage, too. Blake Cashman was in on 10 tackles and also excelled on coverage.

Grade: A

Steven Nelson returned a Joe Flacco interception 82 yards for a touchdown and knocked down three passes. Derek Stingley covered Cleveland’s best receiver, Amari Cooper, 83.3 percent of the time, according to NextGenStats.

Cooper didn’t catch a pass against Stingley. Cooper, who burned the defense for 11 catches, 265 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans on Christmas Eve, finished with four catches and 59 yards but only two for 33 when the Browns were desperate to come from behind in the second half.

Grade: A-plus

For the second year in a row, the Texans were voted as the best special teams in the NFL. Cam Johnston punted four times and put three inside the Browns’ 20. His gross average was 46 yards, and his net was 40.5. Ka’imi Fairbairn needed to kick only one field goal. Kickoff and punt coverage were splendid.

Grade: B

One of the best coaching jobs in the history of pro football in Houston. DeMeco Ryans, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, defensive coordinator Matt Burke and special teams coordinator Frank Ross – as well as the position and assistant position coaches – should take a big bow for their preparation and the way their players executed their assignments.

Grade: A-plus

John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on SportsRadio 610 and Monday, Thursday and Sunday on Texans Radio, also on SportsRadio 610. He writes five columns a week and does three Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.