Houston, TX — The Houston Texans faced a tough challenge as they struggled offensively in the second half, punting on five consecutive drives. But when the moment counted most, C.J. Stroud stepped up, leading the Texans to a thrilling 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stroud threw for an impressive 345 yards and two touchdowns, capped off by a crucial 1-yard pass to third-string running back Dare Ogunbowale with just 18 seconds remaining. This marked Ogunbowale’s first touchdown since 2022, stepping in for injured starters Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce. “Getting a win is always great, but being able to contribute makes it even more special,” he said.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Texans regained possession with less than three minutes on the clock. Stroud orchestrated a nine-play, 69-yard drive that finally put points on the board for Houston in the second half, allowing them to escape the upset by the winless Jaguars (0-4).
“We were just locked in,” Stroud noted. “The defense gave us another chance, and that’s all we needed.”
The Texans (3-1) bounced back from a heavy 34-7 defeat against Minnesota, overcoming early mistakes such as a fumbled punt return and a staggering 12 penalties, which added up to 35 over their last three games.
Nico Collins was a standout performer, recording a career-high 12 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown, marking his third 100-yard game this season. With 489 receiving yards overall, he became the first Texan to surpass 450 yards in the first four games of a season. “There’s always room for improvement,” Collins said. “My mindset is to stay focused, take care of my body, and continue being available for the team.”
On the other side, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed 169 yards and threw two touchdowns but extended his winless streak to nine games. The Jaguars now sit at 0-4 for the first time since starting the 2021 season with five losses.
Coach Doug Pederson seemed taken aback when asked about his job security following the poor start. “My status? I mean, no,” he replied. “That’s a strange question, but OK.”
Despite a rough outing against the Bills the previous week, the Jaguars held a lead for much of the second half, highlighted by Christian Kirk’s touchdown catch with about six minutes left in the third quarter. A 58-yard run by Tank Bigsby set them up at the Texans’ 4-yard line, but after two runs brought them to the 2, an incomplete pass from Lawrence and a failed fourth-down attempt left them empty-handed.
“We had plenty of opportunities, both in the run game and the passing game,” Lawrence said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize, and that’s why we’re in this position.”
Ogunbowale made a key play during Houston’s drive, catching a short pass and dodging three defenders for a 31-yard gain on third-and-18. However, the Texans’ momentum faltered after a no-gain run and a holding penalty on left tackle Laremy Tunsil, leading to a punt.
Derek Stingley thwarted Lawrence’s next pass attempt, forcing another Jaguars punt with about six minutes remaining. Houston’s subsequent drive also stalled due to another holding penalty on Tunsil, compounded by two incomplete passes.
Kirk’s 8-yard touchdown catch put Jacksonville ahead 20-17 late in the third quarter, capitalizing on a drive fueled by a 32-yard reception and a 13-yard run by Brian Thomas.
The Texans had initially forced a punt on Jacksonville’s opening drive, but a fumble by Steven Sims was recovered by Daniel Thomas at the 2-yard line. Lawrence wasted no time, finding Brian Thomas Jr. for an early Jaguars touchdown.
Houston responded quickly, tying the game with Stefon Diggs’ first career rushing touchdown on a 6-yard run. After a Jaguars field goal, Collins’ 3-yard touchdown reception put the Texans ahead 14-10. Jacksonville added a 52-yard field goal before halftime, narrowing the gap to 14-13, with the Texans leading 17-13 at the break thanks to a 30-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn just before halftime.
UP NEXT:
Jaguars: Plays the Colts next Sunday at home.
Texans: Host the Bills next Sunday.
