Rapid Reaction: Houston Texans grind way to win over Jaguars

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Carlos Hyde #23 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: Carlos Hyde #23 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans gained their first win of the 2019 season by grinding out a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.

The 13-12 win by the Houston Texans wasn’t a thing of beauty by any means, but they did enough to seal the win on Sunday, earning their first victory of the 2019 season.

In the Week 2 win, a late two-yard touchdown run by Deshaun Watson was enough to go with two previous field goals to gain the much-needed Week 2 victory over the Jaguars, though the Jaguars made the game even closer in the final minute of play.

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Even some luck came into play for the Texans too on Sunday, because Houston allowed the Jaguars to score a late touchdown of their own, getting within a point of the tying the score.

Jacksonville had no interest in a tie, instead opting for a two-point conversion. That’s where Justin Reid was the final line of defense for the Texans, keeping a diving Leonard Fournette out of the end zone and keeping Houston ahead by one point for the win.

There are still issues aplenty with the Texans offensive line, and being his NFL debut, Tytus Howard has some work ahead of him to become more of a productive player.

Also with the offensive line, credit has to be given for their run blocking with Carlos Hyde rushing for 90 yards on 20 carries. The Texans also had 31 yards rushing from Duke Johnson (on six carries) and five yards rushing by Watson.

As for others on the offense, Watson finished with a 16-of-29 performance passing for 159 yards with no touchdown passes or interceptions. DeAndre Hopkins finished with five receptions for 40 yards on eight targets. Will Fuller had four receptions for 40 yards, and Kenny Stills had two receptions for 38 yards.

One thing about the Jaguars was they didn’t let up at the end of the game, as they picked apart the Texans’ defense and took advantage of Houston mistakes on that final drive.

In that final drive by Jacksonville, they showed the Texans they can’t let up on defense. Even more concerning, it was the second time in consecutive weeks Houston’s defense allowed points in the final minute, nearly resulting in another loss.

Speaking of the Houston defense, Zach Cunningham led the team with nine tackles, one sack and a tackle for loss. J.J. Watt had a fumble recovery, having a better game on the stat sheet than he did a week ago.

Being this is a rapid reaction, the Texans showed there is a lot of work ahead this season, but a win is a win. Houston is off to a better start than they were at this time a year ago now being 1-1, instead of 0-2.

Check back with the Toro Times for more on the Texans’ one-point win over the Jaguars.

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