Houston Texans (0-3-1) – Los Angeles Chargers (2-2): 24-34
After two setbacks in a row, Brandon Staley’s men already had no choice. Victory and if possible with the way, just to regain confidence. The first part of the contract was fulfilled thanks to an almost perfect start (five of the first six series ended with points: 3 touchdowns, 2 field goals) and an aggressive defense. For the rest, on the other hand, it will be necessary to iron.
Like his entire attack, Justin Herbert (27/39, 340 yards, 2 touchdowns) blew hot and cold, with a few ill-fitting passes and offerings of which he has the secret. Deprived once again of Keenan Allen, he found in Mike Williams (7 receptions, 120 yards) a precious ally, even if the other receivers did not help him by releasing easy balls on 3e attempt. On the other hand, he was able to count on the support of a gala Austin Ekeler (13 races, 60 yards, 2 touchdowns + 6 receptions, 49 yards, 1 touchdown) decisive at the end of the match to validate the success of the visitors.
Badly embarked, the Texans let the storm pass, and it was Dameon Pierce’s long-distance touchdown (14 races, 131 yards, 1 touchdown + 6 receptions, 8 yards) which sounded the revolt shortly before the break. Behind, they inflicted a 17-6 in just over 2 quarters to return to 3 small points with only 8 minutes 30 left to play. But as so often this season, their efforts were wiped out in the last quarter.
Los Angeles, foot to the floor
Things couldn’t have started off worse for Houston. Put under pressure by Khalil Mack, Davis Mills (26/35, 246 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) was intercepted in the inaugural series by Nasir Adderley. Ideally positioned on the 25 opposing yards, Justin Herbert does not need to be asked and connects with Gerald Everett (5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown) for the opener for the visitors. If we except this fact of the game – and a completely unscrewed field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn – the start of the meeting is struggling to get carried away. Penalties rain down, ground game and short passes have a good life. In this little game of possession, the Chargers are doing the best. Austin Ekeler finally finds his way to the end zone for the first touchdown of his season after 9 actions and 64 yards recovered (00-14).
Once the observation round is over, the game gets carried away with more direct approaches. Quarterbacks are looking for more verticality to stretch very tight defenses. It works for Los Angeles. No less than 7 different receivers touch the leather in 1D halftime (for 234 yards), but it’s still Ekeler who is responsible for concluding on a run of 20 yards. As for the locals, the aerial game is struggling to take off (only 76 in 13 receptions in 1D half time). Only thinning in the middle of this slump: the long ride of 75 yards from Dameon Pierce which allows Houston to unlock his counter (07-21).
The rookie Dameon Pierce goes 75 YARDS for the TD!
📺: #LACvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/UxfHPqQqWn pic.twitter.com/P8NsIc1NSS— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
Houston’s crazy comeback
This flash will cast doubt on the Chargers who are struggling to regain the momentum of the start of the game. Two field goals and 3 punts, the euphoric attack gradually gave way to a more laborious version with loose balls and poorly adjusted passes. Same story for the other squads. So aggressive and hermetic until then, the defense begins to retreat and concede ground. Mills takes advantage of this and finally finds depth. The quarterback of 2e year connects with Rex Burkhead (5 receptions, 39 yards, 1 touchdown) and Brandin Cooks (7 receptions, 87 yards, 1 touchdown) to bring Houston back to 6 points. Then it was the turn of the special teams to falter with a lost fumble from DeAndre Carter on the return from engagement, only concluded by a field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn (24-27).
But as if by magic, what made the strength of Brandon Staley’s men at the start of the meeting will resurface at the best time. The defense stops his vis-à-vis by putting pressure on Davis Mills, who launches his 2e interception of the day. 34-24 victory for the Chargers. Before that, Justin Herbert had led his team for 84 yards in over 6 minutes. 12 actions that ended with a new touchdown from Austin Ekeler. A narrow success, but which at least has the merit of stemming the negative spiral.
