‘There’s nothing like playoff football,’ Jon Weeks, one of three Texans from 2019 squad, can’t wait for divisional round

HOUSTON – For Texans veteran long snapper Jon Weeks, the accomplishment of a playoff victory and reaching the AFC divisional round brings back memories.

Weeks, the longest tenured player in franchise history and a former Pro Bowl selection, is one of three players along with offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn remaining on the roster from the 2019 squad that made it to the divisional round before absorbing a 51-31 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

The Texans have an opportunity to become the first team in franchise history to reach the AFC championship game as they face the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in a divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium.

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“It’s great to be back,” Weeks said. “There’s nothing like playoff football. It’s fantastic to be a part of it. These guys have worked their tails off to put themselves in position and we’re going to do whatever it takes to take advantage of the position we’re in, understanding we’re facing a really good Baltimore team.

“The guys are up for the challenge and are excited. It’s great. It’s exciting. The guys are playing great football. We understand the challenge we have in front of us this week and guys are working real hard.”

For the second consecutive year, the Texans are atop the annual prestigious Rick Gosselin special teams statistical rankings. Between Fairbairn missing just one field goal and one extra point, Weeks’ accurate snaps, sound kick coverage led by Neville Hewitt and D’Angelo Ross and Cameron Johnston’s punting, it’s been a strong year for units coached by special teams coordinator Frank Ross.

“It means a lot,” Weeks said. “Frank does a fantastic job coaching us and putting us in great position to be successful. We’ve got a bunch of guys who love being on special teams and have bought into what Frank is coaching and teaching. You’re a reflection of your coach and Frank is full of positive energy and a lot of juice and he spreads that to the guys and the guys love playing for him him and it’s been fun watching him work on Sundays.”

Led by coach DeMeco Ryans, a former Pro Bowl linebacker and teammate of Weeks, and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans are 11-7 and have won 11 of 14 games following an 0-2 start.

“I think it’s a huge part of it,” Weeks said. “Our quarterback is playing absolutely fantastic right now. He puts the work in. It’s great to see him have so much success. Guys gravitate toward CJ and feed off of CJs energy. We’re just having a good time.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com