This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.
Jordan Love made one more throw than C.J. Stroud.
It was the one to set up the eventual game-winning field goal.
Five days after being signed, Brandon McManus drilled a 45-yard field goal as time expired to help the Green Bay Packers secure a 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field.
Both teams sit at 5-2 entering Week 8. Houston falls to 2-2 on the road, while Green Bay improves to 3-1 at home.
Final from Green Bay pic.twitter.com/zjLbYagZSr
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 20, 2024
Love, who tossed a pair of interceptions during the first half, orchestrated a clean final drive after Ka’imi Fairbairn hit a 35-yard field goal with 1:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. The 2020 first-round pick went 4 of 6 for 44 yards, including a pair of 10-yard completions to Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs.
Stroud, who last week tossed three touchdown passes, constantly was under duress and never found an identity pass. He threw for a career-low 86 yards and completed just 10 pass attempts.
But the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year saved his best drive for last, driving Houston 45 yards in 13 plays late in the fourth quarter to set up Fairbairn’s kick.
On third-and-10, Stroud connected with a diving Xavier Hutchinson for a gain of 11 to keep the drive alive.
If Houston’s offense was looking for any promise, it starts with Joe Mixon’s consistency on the ground. He rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
CASH IT IN 💰
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/hr1y1MWNDJ
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 20, 2024
The offensive line made the offense one-dimensional in the second half after allowing four sacks.
Defensively, the Texans set the tone early thanks to a pair of turnovers. With Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o out due to injury, Neville Hewitt stepped up and proved his value as a No. 3 option with an interception against Love on the opening drive.
Rookie Calen Bullock picked off Love with just under four minutes remaining in the first half to set up Mixon’s second touchdown before halftime. Bullock, a third-round pick out of USC, recorded his third interception in seven games.
OUR BALL 🫡
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/u2dv2CvyDj
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 20, 2024
The Texans’ special teams set up Mixon’s first score after M.J. Stewart recovered a fumble after the ball ricocheted off Corey Ballentine’s leg. Sunday marked the second consecutive week where Houston registered three turnovers.
Houston returns to NRG Stadium following a two-game road trip to take on the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday at noon CT.
