Texans pull out tough Week 2 win against Williams and the Bears

 

Written by Jordan Victorian, SFL Staff Writer | Photo by B. Keith Crear III

In a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup between two young and promising teams, the Houston Texans emerged victorious over the Chicago Bears with a 19-13 win. Both teams were looking to build on successful Week 1 performances, as the Bears continue the start of the Caleb Williams era, and the Texans look to build on the massively successful 2023 season.

The game started off with efficient passing from both quarterbacks. However, neither team was able to capitalize on their early success in the red zone, resulting in a field goal for each team in the first quarter.

The Texans finally broke the touchdown drought early in the second quarter when Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Bears responded with a field goal and later a touchdown run by Khalil Herbert, but the Texans were able to expand their lead again heading into halftime thanks to a 59-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with neither team able to find the end zone. Williams struggled in the second half, throwing two interceptions, one to Derek Stingley and the other to Kamari Lassiter.

In the final minutes of the game, the Bears had one last chance to tie the game. However, a series of incomplete passes and a Danielle Hunter sack forced them to turn the ball over on downs with under a minute remaining.

While the Texans' passing game was not spectacular, it was efficient enough to get the job done. Stroud finished the game with a 64% completion percentage, passing for 260 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Collins led the team in receiving yards with 135 yards and a touchdown. However, the Texans' running game struggled, producing only 75 yards and a Cam Akers fumble.The defense played well, sacking Williams seven times, picking him off twice and holding the Bears to only 205 yards of total offense.  

The Bears, on the other hand, had a difficult time establishing a rhythm on offense. Williams was solid early on but made too many mistakes as the game progressed, and could not execute the late game heroics to ultimately give the Bears the win.

With the win, the Texans improved to 2-0 on the season, while the Bears fell to 1-1. Next week, the Bears will face the Indianapolis Colts, while the Texans will travel to Minneapolis to take on the Vikings.