Stroud’s TD pass and Fairbairn’s 4 FG lead Texans over Bears 19-13

In a closely contested matchup, the Houston Texans secured a 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Quarterback C.J. Stroud led the Texans by throwing for 260 yards and a touchdown, while kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn impressed with four field goals from long range.

Fairbairn’s kicks were from distances of 56, 47, 59, and 53 yards. Meanwhile, Houston’s defense kept relentless pressure on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throughout the game, contributing significantly to the outcome.

Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 28-yard touchdown pass that gave Houston an early 10-3 lead in the second quarter. By halftime, the Texans held a 16-10 advantage.

Despite difficulties in moving the ball during the second half, Houston managed to add a field goal to their score. The defense stepped up in critical moments, intercepting Williams two times, which played a key role in securing the win.

Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the NFL draft, completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards but was sacked an alarming seven times during the game.

In a critical moment late in the game, Houston running back Cam Akers fumbled the ball on the Chicago 4-yard line, resulting in a recovery by the Bears. Cairo Santos capitalized for Chicago with a 54-yard field goal, trimming the Texans’ lead to 19-13 with just under three minutes remaining.

As Houston attempted to regain control in their ensuing possession, they struggled and opted to punt with around 90 seconds left. However, Williams faced another setback when he was sacked by Danielle Hunter on second down, ultimately leading to an incomplete pass on fourth down. This allowed the Texans to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Nico Collins had a standout performance, recording 135 receiving yards for his second consecutive game with over 100 yards. The Texans’ offense faced challenges, particularly with running back Joe Mixon, who briefly left the game due to an ankle issue and finished with just 25 rushing yards. Last week, in his debut with the Texans, Mixon led the NFL with 159 rushing yards.

Neither team made a dent on the scoreboard in the second half until Fairbairn’s 53-yard field goal extended Houston’s lead to 19-10 early in the fourth quarter. This score came after Williams was pressured and intercepted by Derek Stingley.

On the Bears’ next possession, Williams attempted to escape a sack but ended up throwing another interception. This time, rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, a second-round draft choice from Georgia, made the pick.

The Texans took the lead for good when Collins caught the touchdown pass early in the second quarter. This play followed a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct called on Collins after a brief confrontation with Chicago cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

The Texans followed up Collins’ touchdown with a 47-yard field goal, increasing their lead to 13-3. Stroud made an impressive throw during the drive, finding Collins for an 18-yard gain despite absorbing a hit.

Chicago managed to cut into Houston’s lead just before halftime, as Khalil Herbert scored on a 2-yard run. This marked the Bears’ first offensive touchdown of the season after they failed to score in their previous game. A key pass interference call on rookie Calen Bullock advanced the Bears’ drive, setting them up at the 6-yard line.

Fairbairn’s 59-yard field goal at the end of the half solidified Houston’s lead at 16-10.

As for injuries, Chicago’s defensive lineman Zacch Pickens exited the game in the second half with a groin injury while wide receiver Keenan Allen was inactive due to a heel problem. The Bears will next visit Indianapolis, and the Texans will face the Vikings on the road.

Source: Associated Press