"The first clue that something might be amiss surfaced on the Texans' very first series Sunday. T.J. Yates targeted Andre Johnson and misfired high. Not too high, but high enough that it would have required a spectacular catch from Johnson, of whom the spectacular is expected.

"It's 80, man," fellow wide receiver Jacoby Jones said repeatedly following Saturday's 31-10 AFC wild-card victory against Cincinnati, as if no other explanation was necessary.

But the ball glanced off Johnson's hands.

"Whenever I touch the ball, I feel like I should make the play," he said.

Reliant Stadium, deafening at times throughout, was momentarily silenced."