Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers Notebook: Houston's Offense Fails Defense

The Houston Texans defense bailed out the offense from start to nearly the finish.

The Houston Texans fell to the Carolina Panthers 15-13.

In a matchup that had hopes to be an offensive showdown between the first two players taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was the defenses that stole the show.

Here's what we learned:

1. Texans Defense Held Strong in the First Half

The NFL community had looked forward to the showdown between No. 1 overall pick, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, and No. 2 overall pick, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throughout the week, but neither offense could get going in the 7-6 first half.

Houston's best drive of the first half was their third one, as it resulted in a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Andrew Beck. The possession had a couple of long gains, but the Texans also converted on four third downs. The Texans logged an absurd 17 plays that went for 92 yards and lasted over nine minutes.

The Texans defense shined in the first 30 minutes, despite Carolina recording more yards and first downs. The Panthers' lone score of the first half came on their second-to-last possession, but they missed the extra point.

The first 30 minutes truly had a theme of getting stops on third/fourth-and-short. Houston's finest moment of this, besides numerous forced three-and-outs, was a fourth-and-goal stop. Carolina had four plays inside-the-five and the Texans were stifling them with each snap.

Houston Texas QB C.J. Stroud pressured by the Panthers defense / USA Today Sports

2. Both Offenses Woke Up in the Third quarter

Young and company opened up the second half strong with a 40-yard reception by rookie receiver Jonathan Mingo. However, the Texans defense became stout once again, as Carolina settled for a field goal shortly after to go up 9-7.

Houston's countering attempt on offense didn't work, as Beck fumbled on the second play of the drive. Nevertheless, the defense bailed them out once again by only allowing a field goal after three plays.

The Texans offense finally got going on their final drive of the third period, as Stroud ran in for a one-yard score, but they missed the two-point conversion to make the score 13-12. Before the touchdown, tight end Dalton Schultz hauled in a nine-yard reception on third-and-long to extend the drive, running back Dameon Pierce had one of his angry runs go for 16 yards and Stroud connected with receiver Noah Brown for a 30-yard gain.

3. Houston's Offense Failed Defense in the Fourth Quarter

Both defenses stormed back for most of the fourth quarter, as each of the Panthers first two drives resulted in third down sacks by Texans defensive linemen Jonathan Greenard and Maliek Collins. Houston's offense also left the field early from each of their two possessions as well.

However, with over six minutes remaining, Young had the opportunity to not only lead his first game-winning drive, but also earn his/Carolina's first win of the season.

The Panthers' longest play of the final drive was for 14 yards, but Houston's defense couldn't get off of the field. Young and company stayed on the gridiron for 15 plays and ate up practically the entire clock. When Panthers kicker Eddy Piniero trotted on the field, Texans defensive back Tavierre Thomas committed penalties on both field goal attempts, which resulted in an easier chip-shot as time expired.