C.J. Stroud, Defense Lead Houston Texans to Tight Win Over New Orleans Saints
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans entered Sunday's matchup vs. the New Orleans Saints looking to get back to .500 and equal their 2022 win total in one afternoon.
And that is exactly what they did, taking down New Orleans 20-13 behind another solid day from C.J. Stroud, as well as an opportunistic defensive effort against Derek Carr.
Things got started early for Houston, with Stroud leading the team down the field for a touchdown on the second offensive possession of the game, giving his team a 7-0 lead.
The Saints then evened the score with a touchdown of their own, followed by a Texans Field goal, to make the score 10-7 Houston.
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium.
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
After that, Stroud led his second touchdown drive of the game, hitting Robert Woods for a six-yard score, putting Houston up 17-7 with what was ultimately the game's deciding score.
From there, the Texans' defense was able to stifle the Saints, holding them to just two more field goals on the afternoon.
The Houston defense was far from perfect allowing 430 yards to New Orleans, including 341 through the air to Derek Carr.
That said, they were able to step up when it mattered most, particularly on the last drive, intercepting Carr on the Saints' final drive of the game, with just 15 seconds to go on the clock.
Meanwhile, Stroud also had far from his best game under center, completing 13 of 27 passes for 197 yards with the scores and his first interception of the season.
Ultimately, however, it was enough, with the Texans sealing the victory, and moving back to .500.
Following the win, the Texans (3-3) will now head into their bye week, looking to get completely healthy and prepare for a pivotal Week 8 matchup vs. the Carolina Panthers.
