Texans vs. Chiefs: What Went Wrong In Another Heartbreaking Houston Loss

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans (1-12-1) got here into the sport as a 14-point underdog to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (11-3). However much like their efficiency towards the Dallas Cowboys, the Texans stayed aggressive and practically accomplished an unbelievable upset.

“That group on the market who has received just one recreation, they don’t seem to be taking part in like that,” coach Lovie Smith mentioned. “They’re displaying up daily, taking our teaching and attempting to get higher. We gave ourselves an opportunity to win the sport on the finish.”

Houston fought onerous. And given their effort, the Texans might have performed their greatest recreation of the season. That they had an opportunity to file their second win till the 5:34 mark of extra time when second-year quarterback Davis Mills dedicated a pricey fumble.

Mills’ turnover led to Chiefs operating again Jerick McKinnon recording a game-winning 26-yard landing that led to the Texans sustaining a 30-24 extra time loss.

With the loss, the Texans dropped their eighth consecutive recreation. However for the second straight week, Houston recorded a heartbreaking loss within the ultimate minutes.

Regardless of his late-game fumble, Smith doesn’t consider Mills’ blunder ought to overshadow his efficiency.

“It was a good recreation,” Smith mentioned. “Our quarterbacks allowed us to remain proper within the recreation — however we simply wanted to complete. I do know the quarterback place has been talked about rather a lot. However there are lots of enhancements we will make all through [the roster].”

Choosing Up The Items With out Dameon Pierce:

The Texans performed their first recreation with out rookie operating again Dameon Pierce. Houston discovered modest success on the bottom with 94 yards on 28 carries. However Mills did lead the offense till his late-game fumble.

Mills completed with 121 yards on 12-of-24 passing. He threw a pair of touchdowns that helped the Texans surpass their common of 16.2 factors. And he additionally recorded the Texans’ lone speeding landing within the absence of Pierce. 

The Texans started the sport sticking to their twin quarterback system. Veteran Jeff Driskel took the primary snap underneath heart, whereas Houston interchanged quarterback typically within the first half.

However as soon as Mills started discovering his groove to assist the Texans transfer the chains, the Texans caught to the Stanford product for many of the second half.

“It was robust,” Mills mentioned. “I determine I might decide up just a few extra yards with my legs and the defender made a very good play. It was a crucial second within the recreation when all we wanted was a area objective to win. It’s at all times the man you do not see.”

The foot damage Pierce suffered in Dallas ended his rookie marketing campaign. He rushed for 939 yards on 220 carries and 5 touchdowns by means of the 13 video games.

Finest Defensive efficiency of the season?:

The Texans performed a stable recreation on the offensive facet of the ball, however their protection gave Houston an opportunity to file their second win of the season.

The Texans performed an aggressive model of play that led to a number of penalties. However Houston’s defensive manufacturing prevented the Chiefs from discovering their offensive groove.

They pressured Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a number of events and sacked the previous league MVP twice. Houston’s protection additionally recorded a pair of fumbles that led to scoring drives for the offense.

“I assumed the fellows fought onerous,” Smith mentioned. “The takeaways at all times provide you with an opportunity. I perceive that it’s nonetheless a loss. However we’re going to proceed displaying up. Subsequent, on to Tennessee on a brief week.”

Fast Hits: 

– The Chiefs had a tough begin to the sport. Throughout their first two drives, the Texans held the Chiefs to 25 yards on 10 performs. The spotlight of the primary two defensive drives for the Texans got here when Christian Kirksey recorded a sack on Mahomes.

– The Texans held a 14-13 lead at halftime. Previous to Mills’ 17-yard speeding landing, the second-year quarterback linked with rookie tight finish Teagan Quitoriano for Houston’s first landing. 

– Regardless of shifting Tytus Howard to left guard within the absence of Kenyon Inexperienced, the Texans’ offensive line didn’t hand over a sack. Driskel’s lone sack got here on account of his failed speeding try. 

Closing Phrases:

“We aren’t going to the playoffs. The final two groups we performed, I consider they will win all of it. To see the place we could be. However I count on our guys to point out up. Ultimately, we’ll recover from the hump.” — Smith

You possibly can observe Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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