Texans Record First Win Of 2023 In Road Victory Over Jaguars
The Houston Texans will attempt to end their two-game losing streak Sunday against the 1-1 Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Stadium. The Texans have scored 29 points during their 0-2 start to the season, which ranks 29th in the league.
Houston appeared to have found its offensive niche during the second half defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans outscored the Colts 10-3 en route to a 31-20 loss.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud finished the game, completing 63.8 percent of his passes for 384 yards and two touchdowns. Nico Collins had a career day after seven catches for 147 yards.
This week, the Texans will be without several of their top players for their AFC South matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Chief among those inactives is star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is battling a knee injury and will miss yet another game.
Denzel Perryman, Jalen Pitre, Derek Rivers, Tavierre Thomas, Dare Ogunbowale, and Case Keenum were also listed as inactive by the team.
WHAT: Houston Texans (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
WHERE: Everbank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida (67, 858)
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, 12 p.m. CT
TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)
RADIO: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) | 100.3 The Bull
Get your tickets at SI Tickets
Betting via SI SportsBook
SPREAD: Texans +8.5 (-118), Jags -8.5 (-110)
TOTAL: 44.5 (o -110, u -118)
MONEYLINE: Texans +320, Jags -400
Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.
1st quarter:
The Texans received the ball first. Three and out. Punt.
Punt
The Jaguars nearly recorded their first touchdown of the day when Trevor Lawrence attempted a touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Ridley. But linebacker Blake Cashman stepped in at the last minute to break up the reception. The Jaguars missed a 42-yard field goal attempt.
Turnover
The Texans have their first lead of the season following a seven-play drive that ended with Dameon Pierce recording a one-yard touchdown. Houston received a massive boost after Stroud connected with wide receiver Tank Dell for 46 yards.
Texans 7, Jaguars 0
A subpar offensive start for the Jaguars, who finished their latest drive in five plays for 21 yards.
Punt
The Texans had a positive start to their latest series. Pierce had his longest run of the season for a 10-yard gain. Stroud then completed back-to-back passes to Robert Woods and John Metchie III for a combined 20 yards. But due to two defensive plays made by the Jaguars, the Texans were forced to punt.
Punt
End of 1st
2nd quarter:
The Jaguars missed their second consecutive field goal. It was a 51-yard attempt, which was blocked by rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
Turnover
The Texans recorded their second touchdown with a four-yard pass from Stroud to Brevin Jordan. Houston recorded 41 yards on seven plays. With Pierce accounting for 10 yards on the ground, play-action is starting to work for the Texans. Stroud used the play to rush for 11 yards on 1st-and-15.
Texans 14, Jaguars 0
The Jaguars continue to struggle on the offensive side of the ball. Houston's defense limited Jacksonville to four plays for 22 yards.
Punt
Three and out for the Texans.
Punt
The Texans had another great defensive drive outside of giving up an eight-yard scramble from Lawrence. Cashman and Steven Nelson had back-to-back pass deflections to force 3rd and 10 on Houston's 45. Lawrence completed a 15-yard gain to wide receiver Jamal Agnew, who fumbled on the play.
Turnover
The Texans finished the half by connecting on a 28-yard field goal attempt by Ka'imi Fairbairn. Houston got into field goal range following Stroud's short pass attempt to Collins, who added 10 yards after the catch.
Texans 17, Jaguars 0
Halftime
3rd quarter:
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. began the second half with three rushes for 32 yards. He later connected with Lawrence for a 17-yard gain. Lawrence tried to find Ridley in the end zone, but Ward came away with a huge stop. The referees called a pass interference on Ward, which resulted in a one-yard touchdown for Tank Bigsby.
Texans 17, Jaguars 7
Three and out for the Texans.
Punt
The Texans held the Jaguars to a 33-yard field goal. But Jacksonville's second offensive series of the half was not a great outing for the Texans' defense, who gave up 53 yards in eight plays. Lawrence's 28-yard pass attempt to Evan Engram placed the Jaguars in field goal range.
Texans 17, Jaguars 10
Full back Andrew Beck recorded an 85-yard kick return. It was surprising because he wasn't the designated returner, which was Mike Boone. There was a miscommunication between the two teammates, which resulted in a muffed kick.
Texans 24, Jaguars 10
The Texans' defense recovered after back-to-back subpar drives. After the Jaguars recorded 13 yards in five plays, Cashman picked off Lawerence for the team's second takeaway of the season.
Turnover
End of 3rd
4th quarter:
The Texans are on the verge of the biggest upset of Week 3. Houston put together a solid series with 41 yards in 10 plays. The outcome led to the Texans finishing the drive with a 26-yard field goal.
Texans 27, Jaguars 10
Despite the Texans' dominance, the Jaguars are not going down without a fight. Lawrence connected with wide receiver Christian Kirk for a 26-yard touchdown.
Texans 27, Jaguars 17
Stroud and Dell connected for a touchdown for the second time in their young careers. This time, it was a 68-yard connection.
Texans 34, Jaguars 17
The Jaguars did not have an answer to the Texans' latest score with 19 yards in eight plays.
Turnover on down
The Texans recorded 29 yards in seven plays. The drive ended with Fairbairn nailing a 33-yard attempt.
Texans 37, Jaguars 17
Jaguars recorded 15 yards in five plays.
End of Game