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You win some, you lose some. The problem? Losing the way the Houston Texans did on Sunday at SoFi Stadium can lead to a ripple effect of moves that lead to multiple losses in the future.
Behind a forced fumble from Nate Landman in the final two minutes, the Los Angeles Rams secured a 14-9 victory despite a slow start from their offense, headlined by new 60,000-yard career passer Matthew Stafford.
Puka Nacua served as the difference in the passing game compared to Texans’ leading receiver Nico Collins. Even after leaving the second quarter following a hit against linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, he still managed to haul in 10 passes for 130 yards, including a 20-yard pickup to secure a 13-yard touchdown pass to Davis Allen.
Collins, who last season looked unstoppable in the first five weeks of the regular season, caught three passes for 23 yards. Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson led the Texans with two catches for 30 yards apiece. Nick Chubb finished with 13 carries for 60 yards, including a long of 12.
Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s showdown at SoFi Stadium.
Houston a part of History
With his 9-yard pass to Nacua in the fourth quarter, Stafford became the 10th quarterback in NFL history with 60,000 yards and the latest since former MVP Matt Ryan. Overall, he threw for 245 yards and a touchdown, which ended up being the difference in the second half for Los Angeles’ offense.
After a slow start in the first three drives, Stafford threw for 210 yards over his last five drives. Los Angeles outscored Houston in the final 12 minutes, 14-3.
Nail in the coffin
One of the biggest selling points about Dare Ogunbowale has been his security. In nine seasons, the veteran tailback has recorded one fumble. The second came with less than 90 seconds left in Sunday’s game.
Houston needed to record three straight stops and drive downfield a second time to secure another opportunity to win, but Stafford’s 3rd-down connection with Nacua for a 29-yard gain was enough to ensure the victory at home.
No. 11
Why remember that? It was the number of penalties against the Texans that resulted in a loss of 80 yards. That includes three false starts, two holding calls, an illegal hands to the face and an illegal shift.
Little things like that cost Houston several drives at the worst time, negating three positive drives for what could have been scoring drives.
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