Battle Red Blog
The Houston Texans defense could not hold Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out of the end zone at the end of the game. Houston falls to 0-2 for the second time in the DeMeco Ryans era as they lose 20-19 at home on Monday Night Football
After one great drive to start the game ended with a Nico Collins touchdown, the Texans offense failed to score another touchdown for the rest of the game. Houston’s offense has yet to get Nico Collins going. He only had three receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown.
The defense put up a strong fight, but missed tackles and soft coverage led to the Buccaneers gaining 360 yards including 169 yards on the ground. The Buccaneers were able to move the ball against the Texans run defense even with both of its offensive tackles out of the game. They started former Texans fourth round pick Charlie Heck at tackle, who held up against the combination of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter well.
The game-defining moment came when Houston failed to convert on second and one from the goal line and eventually turned the possession over on downs. The Texans would take the lead late into the fourth, but missing out on a crucial touchdown devastated the Texans’ offense and took much of the wind out of their sails.
The Texans woes that plagued them last year persist in 2025. QB C.J. Stroud was sacked three times and continually under duress. Laken Tomlinson was bullied by Vita Via all game in a major mismatch. The run game was nowhere to be found once again and was only supported by a wide open 25-yard touchdown to Nick Chubb.
Houston is now tied for fourth in the AFC South with the Tennessee Titans. They face the Jacksonville Jaguars next week in Jacksonville.
