Despite hanging around in the second half, the Houston Texans lost their Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football. The team fought hard, and proved that they could play competitive football, but saw their record sink to 1-6-1 on the season.
Quarterback Davis Mills got off to a fast start, but faltered for the Texans late, throwing two decisive interceptions that ultimately doomed Houston’s comeback effort. Rookie running back Dameon Pierce continued his run of excellence in 2022, rushing for more than 130 yards, though he did not manage to score a touchdown.
With both of their top receivers out in this matchup, the Texans were in need of serious production from their tight ends, but the group failed to finish with any significant contributions in the game. Houston saw Phillip Dorsett emerge as a viable option as their leading receiver, even if his play wasn’t spectacular. He managed to catch three passes for 69 yards including a pretty sideline grab in the first quarter that stood out as one of the more impressive receptions of the game by either team.
On the other side of the ball, Lovie Smith’s defense put up a valiant effort against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ electric offense. Hurts ended the game with just 243 yards passing, though they struggled to contain the run, giving up 143 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns.
Given that this game was a mismatch of epic proportions between the league’s best and second-worst teams, the on-field product was better than many expected. The Texans managed to keep themselves from getting blown out, and had an opportunity to come back in the fourth quarter. Perhaps if they were at full strength, Houston could have pulled out the upset, but all in all, the dignity with which they lost this game made this far from the worst possible outcome in such a tough year for the rebuilding franchise.