Texans vs Jaguars Recap

Written by Thomas Graham, SFL Writer | Photo by Sports Fusion Live Hou

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, at NRG Stadium, the Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 24–20 in an exciting game that was crucial to their early season success. With the win, the Texans, now 3-1 on the season, were led by star quarterback C.J. Stroud to a decisive effort in the closing minutes.

 

Both sides had trouble finding their offensive rhythms when the game started. Houston's defense stifled the potent attack headed by Trevor Lawrence of Jacksonville, which established the tone early. Lawrence was under consistent pressure from Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr., who forced hasty throws and broke down the pocket. The Texans offense, though, stalled on its first two drives and needed to catch up to get going.

 

Late in the first quarter, Lawrence found Calvin Ridley for a 35-yard touchdown throw, giving the Jaguars a 7-0 lead and ending the scoreless tie. Running back Dameon Pierce led the Texans' methodical drive in response, slipping between Jacksonville's front seven. Early in the second quarter, Stroud tied the score at 7-7 with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz to cap off the drive.

 

The Texans lost a lot of the first half to defensive pressure even if they were gaining ground. Kicker Brandon McManus of the Jaguars scored two more field goals, one from 44 yards and the other from 38, to put Jacksonville ahead 13–7 at the half.

 

The Texans came from the locker room fired up and ready to seize the game. A clean, well-balanced offensive attack was led by C.J. Stroud on the first drive of the third quarter. Nico Collins and Robert Woods, two important wide receiver completions, set up Pierce's 22-yard touchdown run, which gave Houston its first lead of the game at 14–13.

 

With a career-high 12 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown for his third 100-yard performance of the year, Nico Collins assisted Houston in winning. Being the first Texan to surpass 450 yards receiving in the first four games of the season, he has 489 yards receiving this season.

 

Jacksonville seemed to find its spark as the fourth quarter progressed. With less than five minutes left, Christian Kirk caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to cap off a swift and effective drive that put the Jaguars up, 17–17.

 

In a pivotal moment, the Texans shown their tenacity. Under pressure, Stroud maintained his composure and orchestrated a drive that proved to be crucial in his inaugural season. Stroud moved the Texans to Jacksonville's 4-yard line with crucial completions to Schultz and Pierce. Houston had a 24–20 lead when Stroud found Collins for a touchdown throw with 48 seconds remaining.

 

With 18 seconds remaining, Stroud completed a 345-yard pass for two touchdowns, setting up the Texans for a 24–20 victory. His final pass was to third-string running back Dare Ogunbowale for one yard.

 

The Texans' 24–20 victory pointed out the team's perseverance and development. The victory depended on C.J. Stroud's poise in the game's closing stages and the defense's capacity to stymie Lawrence. The Texans' success not only put them over 500 but also gave them a boost going into the next phase of the season.