Houston Texans Two-Game Win Streak Ends vs. Falcons

Can the Houston Texans extend their winning streak to three Sunday against the Falcons?

The Houston Texans are riding a two-game winning streak behind the play of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. But the Atlanta Falcons are having a different experience with Desmond Ridder under center. 

Ridder finished his rookie year showing promise after taking the starting job from veteran Marcus Mariota. But four games into the season, the second-year quarterback has struggled. 

Ridder has thrown for 744 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. The Texans are facing a quarterback in the midst of a sophomore slump Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But coach DeMeco Ryans understands the challenges Ridder can still cause.

"I think just how he’s operating the offense, [he’s] still a young player who is getting comfortable," Ryans said. "I think he just still needs time to grow and improve, but he’s doing a really good job of putting the ball where it needs to be and getting it into his playmakers' hands. 

"What they’ve done there in Atlanta is they’ve surrounded him with a ton of playmakers, so it’s not just on the quarterback, there’s a lot of playmakers he [Desmond Ridder] can get the ball to. Tight ends, wide receivers, the [running] backs – a lot of dynamic playmakers that surround Ridder, and they’ve done a really good job."

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.

WHAT: Houston Texans (2-2) vs. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA (71,000)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, 12 p.m. (CDT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans +1.5 (-110), +105 Moneyline, Total: 41.5 (o -110/u -110)

1st Quarter:

The Falcons received the ball first. Three and out. 

Punt

The Texans recorded 28 yards in six plays during their first offensive drive. Houston's first series ended with a 38-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn.

Texans 3, Falcons 0

The Falcons recorded the game's first touchdown following a seven-yard rush from Ridder. Atlanta was able to get deep within the Texans' territory due to a 22-yard gain by tight end Jonnu Smith. 

Falcons 7, Texans 3

Outside of a 15-yard gain by running back Dameon Pierce, it was an inefficient offensive drive by the Texans. 

Punt 

Three and out for the Falcons. 

End of 1st 

2nd Quarter:

The Texans' drive began with Stroud connecting with Tank Dell for a 22-yard gain. Two plays later, Stroud found Nico Collins for 25 yards. Stroud's connections with Dell and Collins led to a 43-yard field goal made by Fairbairn.

Falcons 7, Texans 6

Three-and-out for the Falcons. 

Punt

Stroud found tight end Teagan Quitoriano for a 22-yard gain to begin Houston's latest drive, which marked the only positive yardage for the Texans.

Punt

The Falcons' offensive drive began with a 28-yard reception by full-back Keith Smith. Atlanta would register 44 yards in seven plays. But the Texans' defense would force the Falcons into a punt. 

Punt

Three-and-out for the Texans.

Punt

The Falcons were on the verge of another three-and-out, but due to a one-yard rush by running back Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta recorded the first third-down conversion of the day. A few plays later, Ridder was able to find tight end Kyle Pitts for 18 yards. But after a connection with Pitts, Atlanta's offense declined.

Punt

Dell came up huge on 3rd-and-10 with a 29-yard completion thrown by Stroud. The catch marked the first third-down conversion for Houston. Following a pair of catches made by Collins, the Texans ended the half with a 28-yard field goal.

Texans 9, Falcons 7

Halftime

3rd Quarter:

The Texans began the second half with a 14-yard catch made by John Metchie III. Houston recorded 31 yards in seven plays before their offense came to a halt.

Punt

Linebacker Denzel Perryman came up huge during the Texans' latest defensive drive. He forced a fumble on Robinson for the first turnover of the game.

Turnover

The Texans could not capitalize on the Falcons' turnover. But despite another inefficient drive, Houston extended its lead to five following a 27-yard field goal.

Texans 12, Falcons 7

The Texans ended their latest defensive drive with another turnover. On 2nd-and-10 inside Houston's territory, Jonnu Smith fumbled following a hit by nickel Grayland Arnold. The fumble may have prevented a touchdown, given that the Falcons had recorded 62 yards in eight plays.

Turnover

Three-and-out for the Texans.

Punt

End of 3rd

4th Quarter:

The Falcons began the fourth quarter with a six-yard touchdown pass between Ridder and Robinson, which was the result of Atlanta recording 74 yards in 13 plays.

Falcons 15, Texans 12

Three-and-out for the Texans. 

Punt

The Falcons began their latest drive with Ridder finding wide receiver Drake London for a 32-yard gain. London's catch helped the Falcons get deep within the Texans' territory. The drive ended with a 33-yard field goal by kicker Younghoe Koo. 

Falcons 18, Texans 12

The Texans took a late lead with 1:49 left in the fourth quarter. Stroud led the Texans on a drive, where Houston recorded 75 yards in 11 plays. The offensive series ended with Stroud connecting with tight end Dalton Schultz for an 18-yard touchdown.

Texans 19, Falcons 18

The Falcons recorded 56 yards in nine plays. The game ended with a 19-yard field goal made by Koo. 

Falcons 21, Texans 19

End of Game