The Houston Texans’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 14 was significant on many levels, but there figures to be some fallout, specifically for veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards.
Edwards and the Texans have clawed their way back from starting the season 0-3 and are now 8-5 on the season.
However, Edwards’ decision in Week 14 could prove costly.
Texans DT Mario Edwards Figures to Hear From NFL Over Penalty
GettyMario Edwards #97 of the Houston Texans grabs the facemask of Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the second quarter of the Texans’ win over the Chiefs, on a third-and-5 and Edwards’ unit on the field, the 11th-year defensive tackle pursued Patrick Mahomes as the two-time MVP broke the pocket and scrambled to his right.
Edwards made a diving attempt to bring Mahomes down, but instead wound up getting his fingers into the QB’s facemask as he converted with a pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Officials threw a flag, giving the Chiefs an additional 15 yards.
The drive ended seven plays later, with Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker hitting the upright and missing a field goal try. The miss preserved the Texans’ 10-0 lead into the break in a game they won by the same margin.
Still, Edwards figures to receive a notice from the league, with face masks one of the many fineable offenses in the NFL.
Per the NFL Football Operations portal, face mask fines start at $11,593 for first offenses.
Second offenses can incur fines starting at $17,389. However, Edwards has not received a fine this season. The Texans, meanwhile, have had players fined seven times already this season, per Spotrac.
Texans Overcome Major Injury Setback
GettyTim Settle Jr. #98 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Edwards, 31, is signed through 2026 on a two-year, $9.5 million contract. He re-signed this past offseason after spending the 2024 season with the Texans.
He had 2 total tackles and a quarterback hit against the Chiefs.
There is some hope for Edwards to avoid the fine. The NFL declined to fine defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. over his roughing the passer penalty against Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13.
Settle is out for the season after suffering a knee injury during the contest. The Texans placed him on injured reserve last week.
Tommy Togiai replaced Settle in the Texans’ starting lineup, with Edwards in a reserve role.
Texans Force Patrick Mahomes Into Career-Worst Performance
GettyPatrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts against the Houston Texans.
Edwards and the rest of the Texans’ defense proved problematic for the Chiefs, who lost fill-in starting left tackle Wanya Morris on their first play from scrimmage. They deflected 7 passes and sacked Mahomes twice.
They also came away with 3 interceptions.
The NFL posted a highlight reel on X after the game, saying, “The @HoustonTexans put on a defensive clinic tonight,” and it was rough for Mahomes in particular.
“Mahomes ends the game with -0.54 EPA per dropback. The worst start of his career,” ESPN’s Benjamin Solak said in a post on X on December 7. “42.4% completion percentage. Worst of his career.
“19.8 passer rating. Worst of his career.”
The Texans had a similar showing against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 12, sacking the reigning MVP a career-high 8 times.
Edwards and the Texans entered the contest with the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense in terms of yards and points allowed. Their showing drew attention, especially coming during a primetime game, but it is hardly an outlier.
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