Texans Fall To Chargers 34-24: Live In-Game Updates
HOUSTON — The previous two weeks have not been kind to second-year quarterback Davis Mills. He played a role in the Houston Texans' inability to sustain drives in the 16-9 defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sept. 18. A week later, Mills threw a pair of costly interceptions that resulted in a loss to the Chicago Bears.
Mills has only completed 55.7 percent of his passes over the previous two games. But by returning to NRG Stadium for the Texans showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mills' performance could take a complete 180.
"The biggest thing is that you’re comfortable at home," Mills said. "You’ve played here before. You don’t have to deal with the crowd noise on offense and that’s a big thing on the away games, just being able to communicate pre-snap and handle everything."
Mills has been a better quarterback at home when compared to the subpar production he showcases on the road.
Mills' best home performance came during a Week 16 victory against the Chargers in 2021, where he completed a career-best 77.7 percent of his passes en route to the Texans' 41-29 win.
RECORDS: Houston Texans (0-2-1) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
ODDS: The Texans are 5.5-point underdogs to the Chargers.
GAME TIME: Sunday, October 2, 2022, at noon CT
LOCATION: NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas)
TV/RADIO: CBS | KHOU11, SPORTS RADIO 610 | 100.3 THE BULL | MEGA 101
1st Quarter
The Texans received possession first, where rookie running back Dameon Pierce accounted for six yards. On third down, Mills threw his first interception of the game to defensive back Nasir Adderley. Wide receiver Nico Collins was Mills' target.
Change of possession.
The Chargers made use of their takeaway with quarterback Justin Herbert connecting with wide receiver Gerald Everett in the end zone.
Chargers 7, Texans 0
Change of possession.
Pierce recorded nine yards on his second attempt of the game. A pass interference call placed the Texans on the Chargers' 43-yard line.
Mills later connected with Brandin Cooks for a 15-yard gain, but a holding call on Kenyon Green pushed the Texans back by 10 yards. Defensive lineman Morgan Fox would end Houston's possession with a sack on Mills.
Change of possession.
Linebacker Blake Cashman nearly recorded an interception on the Chargers' first possession. The Texans' defense held the Chargers to a quick three-and-out.
Change of possession.
The Texans put together a solid drive led by Pierce. Mills connected with Cooks for seven yards to set up the Texans on the Chargers' 34-yard line. But Ka'imi Fairbairn would go on to miss a 46-yard field goal attempt.
Chargers 7, Texans 0
2nd Quarter
The Chargers netted 64 yards on nine plays, which resulted in running back Austin Ekeler scoring Los Angeles' second touchdown of the game.
Chargers 14, Texans 0
Change of possession.
Another three-and-out for the Texans. Mills had a chance to connect with wide receiver Nico Collins for a first down but overthrew his pass attempt.
Change of possession.
Herbert connected with wide receiver Mike Williams for a 50-yard gain. Following Williams' reception, Ekeler scored his second touchdown of the day.
Chargers 21, Texans 0
Change of possession.
Rookie running back Dameon Pierce broke free for a 75-yard touchdown. A major spark for the Texans.
Chargers 21, Texans 7
Change of possession.
After giving up a touchdown, the Chargers recorded 77 yards on 10 plays during their next possession. The Texans' defense played well deep in the red zone, as the Chargers had to settle for a 23-yard field goal.
Chargers 24, Texans 7
Change of possession.
Following Pierce's touchdown, the Texans failed to capitalize on the momentum.
Change of possession.
Los Angeles netted 49 yards on nine plays en route to another field goal.
Chargers 27, Texans 7
Halftime
The Chargers received the ball to open the second half. A quick three-and-out for Los Angeles.
Change of possession.
Another inefficient possession for the Texans by recording two yards on six plays.
Change of possession.
The Chargers recorded 36 yards on their last drive, but the Texans held Los Angeles scoreless.
Change of possession.
The Texans had their best offensive drive of the game, which ended with Mills finding running back Rex Burkhead for an eight-yard touchdown. The Texans recorded 87 yards on eight plays during their last drive.
Chargers 27, Texans 14
Change of possession.
The Texans' defense held the Chargers to 15 yards on six plays. Punt.
Change of possession.
Mills connected with Collins for a 58-yard reception to help the Texans reach the Chargers' 18-yard line. Mills would go on to find Cooks for an 18-yard touchdown on the next play.
Chargers 27, Texans 21
Change of possession.
Former Texan wide receiver DeAndre Carter fumbled on the kick return. Safety M.J. Stewart made the recovery.
Change of possession.
Texans were unable to make the most out of their extra possession, but Houston did manage to end their drive with a 40-yard field goal.
Chargers 27, Texans 24
Change of possession.
The Texans had a scary moment during their last defensive drive. Rookie defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. sustained a minor shoulder injury. Despite having Stingley return to the game, Houston's defense gave up a 14-yard reception touchdown to Ekeler.
Chargers 34, Texans 24
Change of possession.
On the Texans' final drive of the game, Mills threw his second interception while targeting wide receiver Chris Moore.
Change of possession.
The Chargers take victory formation.
End of Game
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