'Just the Game of Football:' Denver Broncos' Russell Wilson Recounts His Three Interceptions vs. Houston Texans
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans had arguably their best defensive performance during Sunday's 22-17 victory over the Denver Broncos. They held the Broncos to 0-for-11 on third-down efficiency. But in addition to their stops, the Texans forced three takeaways.
Each of the Texans' forced turnovers resulted from interceptions thrown by Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, who did not throw a pick during Denver's five-game winning streak.
Safety Jimmie Ward caught the game-saving interception during the final seconds of the fourth quarter. But second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. accounted for two of Wilson's picks.
"Then the last one was trying to win the game for us, trying to get the ball up high in the end zone, and they made that one," Wilson said. "I think the first one is just part of the game of football. The last two, they made good plays."
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson drops back in the pocket against the Houston Texans in the second half at NRG Stadium.
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Since returning from his six-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Stingley has lived up to the former prospect from LSU, who the Texans drafted with the No. 3 pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He has recorded at least one interception over the previous three games. Stingley's most impressive catch came at the 9:39 mark of the fourth period. He recorded his second interception of the game amid Wilson's pass attempt to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Stingley's play left Wilson in awe.
"The first one was tipped," Wilson said. "They made a good play. The second one – took a shot down the field to ‘Court’ [Sutton]. I thought we had him, honestly, and he [Stingley] made a heck of a play. I don't know how he made that play, to be honest with you.
After winning five consecutive games, the Broncos came into NRG Stadium as the hottest team in the league and on the verge of reaching the postseason.
A loss to the Texans dropped the Broncos to 6-6 on the season. And due to Houston's defense, Denver's playoff hopes have become more uncertain. The Texans improved to 7-5 and are in prime position to receive their first wild card spot since 2019.
