The Houston Texans are 2-0 after a stellar defensive performance and an efficient night from CJ Stroud in a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears. Stroud continued his interception-free streak dating back to last season and threw for 260 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown was part of an eight-catch, 135-yard night for Nico Collins.
That good night for the Texans offense was also a rough night for the Bears and Caleb Williams. The No. 1 pick was sacked seven times in the loss and threw two interceptions. The Bears played from behind most of the night, gaining just 71 yards on the ground.
In terms of injuries, Texans running back Joe Mixon left the game in the first half with an ankle injury, but was able to return for some action in the second half.
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Williams throws incomplete on fourth down
Caleb Williams looked for Rome Odunze on 4th and 17, but he missed the ball and lost it. A kneel-down by the Texans would give them a 2-0 lead.
Big win in the first game for the Bears
Williams finds Rome Odunze for a 27-yard gain for a great play to start the drive
Heavy penalty destroys the Texans’ first attempt
A first-down scramble by CJ Stroud on a 3rd-and-7 was called back for a hand-to-the-face penalty, and the Bears were able to get a stop with 1:45 left. Now it’s 4th down and the Texans have to punt. Caleb Williams and the Bears have no timeouts to work with.
Bears benefit from loss of possession and score 54-yard field goal by Cairo Santos
The Bears are still trailing, just six points, with just under three minutes left to play. Chicago has just one timeout left, and with the two-minute warning looming, a Texans first down could end the game in this series.
Huge turnover in the redzone as Cam Akers loses the ball near the goal line for Houston
Kevin Byard recovered the ball with the Bears trailing by nine points with 6:28 left in the fourth quarter. Joe Mixon, who was out of the game all night battling an ankle injury, has not lost a fumble since 2021 and has fumbled just three times in eight NFL seasons on more than 1,600 carries.
Another ball loss by Caleb Williams
This time it’s Kamari Lassiter. After avoiding a sack, Williams threw a ball that was intercepted by Lassiter. The second interception of the game thrown by the rookie QB.
Ka’Imi Fairbarin scores again from over 50 meters, his 6th goal from over 50 meters this season
Mixon returns for the Texans
Joe Mixon returned to the game after Stingley’s interception. He left the game in the second quarter and was questionable with an ankle injury, but the NFL’s best runner from Week 1 is back on the field for the fourth quarter in Houston.
Derek Stingley Jr. comes with the INT
Will Anderson was in the Bears backfield all night
Bears-Texans argue on the sidelines after heavy hit on Caleb Williams
Mixon’s return against the Bears questionable
The Texans say RB Joe Mixon is questionable to return tonight due to an ankle injury.
Joe Mixon limps off the field after tackle against Bears
The Texans’ new running back went to the blue tent after this tackle and an apparent injury to his lower leg. Mixon went to the locker room after being examined on the sidelines.
Bears open 2nd half with quick 3-and-out, CJ Stroud takes over
And the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is on a long streak without losing a turnover, and Houston hopes that continues tonight.
Halftime: Texans 16, Bears 10
Ka’imi Fairbairn just made a 59-yard field goal with plenty of room, and the Texans lead by six points at halftime.
We have a battle in Houston.
Nico Collins with a wild grip
The Texans aren’t done yet. Nico Collins somehow made it.
Touchdown, Bears
Khalil Herbert capped off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run and we have a game again.
This is the Bears’ first offensive touchdown of the season and the first of Williams’ career.
Bears try to score before halftime
After it looked like the Texans would force another field goal, the Bears finally found themselves in the red zone for the first time tonight. The Bears received a major pass interference call and are now inside the 5-yard line after a scramble by Caleb Williams.
A touchdown here would be huge for the Bears as they enter the locker room.
Texans defense under control towards the end of the first half
