2008 Houston Texans season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Houston Texans
season was the 7th season for the team in the National Football League
. Though the Texans lost their first four games of the season, they rallied and won five of their last six games, to finish with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.
The 2008 season also marked the Texans' first appearance on Monday Night Football
.
Subtractions:
The Texans had seven selections in the 2008 NFL Draft
. The Texans originally had five before the draft after having traded their second round selection to the Atlanta Falcons
to land quarterback Matt Schaub
and their sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos
for center Chris Myers
. The Texans traded their first-round pick with the Baltimore Ravens
for their third and sixth-round selections along with their first-round pick.
will be entering his third year (2006 to present) with the Texans. Alex Gibbs
, who implemented his successful zone blocking scheme with the Denver Broncos
and the Atlanta Falcons
joins the staff as the assistant head coach, replacing Mike Sherman
, who left to become the head coach at Texas A&M
.
Kyle Shanahan
, son of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan
, takes over as the offensive coordinator this year in place of Sherman.
*Asterisk indicates a Monday Night Football
game.
** Postponed due to Hurricane Ike
. The NFL has moved the game to November 9 (Week 10), which was the Ravens' bye week, and also moved the Texans/Bengals game from November 9 to October 26 (Week 8), which was a bye week for both teams.
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Steelers RB Willie Parker
got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Texans continued to trail as Parker got a 13-yard TD run, while QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. Houston would end the half with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 34-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Texans continued to trail as Parker got a 4-yard TD run, while Roethlisberger and Ward hooked up with each other again on a 16-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, Houston replied with QB Matt Schaub
completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
. Pittsburgh would respond with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 44-yard field goal. The Texans would close out the game with Schaub getting a 4-yard TD run.
With the loss, Houston began its season at 0–1.
in Week 2, but due to structural damage to Reliant Stadium
by Hurricane Ike
, the game was postponed until Week 10. This allowed both Houston and Baltimore to take their bye week.
for a Week 3 AFC South duel with the Tennessee Titans
. In the first quarter, Houston struck first with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 44-yard field goal. The Titans responded with RB LenDale White
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Texans answered with Brown kicking a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Tennessee increased its lead with QB Kerry Collins
completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Bo Scaife
. The Texans would answer with rookie RB Steve Slaton
getting a 6-yard TD run (with a failed PAT). The Titans closed out the first half with White's 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Tennessee added on to its lead with kicker Rob Bironas
nailing a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Titans sealed the win with CB Cortland Finnegan
returning an interception 99 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, Houston fell to 0–2.
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Jaguars FB Montell Owens
took a fake punt and ran 41 yards for a touchdown. The Texans got on the board with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Houston took the lead as QB Matt Schaub
completed a 30-yard TD pass to rookie RB Steve Slaton
. Jacksonville ended the half with kicker Josh Scobee
getting a 46-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Jaguars retook the lead with QB David Garrard
completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones
. The Texans would tie the game with Schaub completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville responded with Scobee's 40-yard field goal. Houston would retake the lead with Schaub hooking up with Walter again on an 8-yard TD pass. However, the Jaguars got the lead again as Garrard got a 5-yard TD run. The Texans would tie game on Brown's 47-yard field goal. However, in overtime, Jacksonville sealed Houston's fate as Scobee nailed the game-winning 37-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 0–3.
. Due to an illness, QB Matt Schaub
was unable to play, allowing backup QB Sage Rosenfels
to get the start.
In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri
got a 46-yard field goal, along with RB Joseph Addai
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Texans responded with rookie RB Steve Slaton
getting a 1-yard TD run, kicker Kris Brown
getting a 37-yard field goal, and Rosenfels completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
. In the third quarter, Houston increased its lead with Brown nailing a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Texans continued its run with Slaton getting a 1-yard TD run, expanding their lead to 17 points. What followed would go down into NFL history books, as Sage Rosenfels fumbled twice and threw two interceptions to blow the biggest lead inside of 5 minutes in NFL history. The key play was known as the 'Rosencopter' play, when on third-and-eight, Rosenfels opted to try to hurdle a defender rather than sliding short of the first down. Gary Brackett
recovered the fumble for a 58 yard touchdown, and Rosenfels was never the same afterwards, turning the ball over twice more. With the loss, Houston fell to 0–4.
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington
completed a 53-yard TD pass to RB Patrick Cobbs
. The Texans would respond with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Miami added on to its lead as Pennington completed an 80-yard TD pass to Cobbs. Houston would answer with Brown kicking a 33-yard field goal and WR Jacoby Jones
returning a punt 70 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Texans took the lead with QB Matt Schaub
completing a 12-yar TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
, but the Dolphins replied with RB Ricky Williams
getting a 5-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Houston regained the lead as Brown got a 42-yard field goal, yet Miami struck back RB Ronnie Brown
got a 6-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Texans got the last laugh as Schaub got the game-winning 3-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the wild win, Houston improved to 1–4.
. In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as QB Matt Schaub
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Owen Daniels
, along with RB Ahman Green
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Texans increased their lead as rookie RB Steve Slaton
got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions would respond with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit tried to catch up as RB Kevin Smith
got a 26-yard TD run. Houston would answer with Schaub hooking up with Daniels again on a 1-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to rally as QB Dan Orlovsky
completed a 96-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
, along with Hanson nailing a 54-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Texans' defense stiffened for the victory.
With the win, Houston improved to 2–4.
. In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as WR Jacoby Jones
returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. The Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 43-yard field goal. The Texans increased their lead as QB Matt Schaub
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. Cincinnati would close out the half as Graham nailed a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Houston began to pull away as Schaub completed a 7-yard and a 39-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
. In the fourth quarter, the Texans closed out their home stand in style with rookie RB Steve Slaton
getting a 20-yard TD run.
With the win, not only did Houston improve to 3–4, but they won three straight games for the first time in franchise history.
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Minnesota Vikings
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Vikings RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run. The Texans responded with CB Jacques Reeves
returning an interception 44 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Minnesota answered with QB Gus Frerotte
completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
and a 49-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
.
In the third quarter, Houston tried to rally as QB Sage Rosenfels
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings replied with Frerotte completing a 25-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
. The Texans tried to come back as Rosenfels completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
. However, the Vikings' defense stiffened for the win.
With the loss, Houston fell to 3–5.
QB Matt Schaub
(21/29 for 224 yards and 1 interception), who started the game, left after the first half with a sprained left knee.
. Both teams were supposed to play each other in Week 2, but Hurricane Ike
forced them to reschedule their game to this week.
With QB Matt Schaub
out with an injury, back-up QB Sage Rosenfels
was given the start.
In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Ravens QB Joe Flacco
completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Yamon Figurs
. In the second quarter, the Texans responded with kicker Kris Brown
getting a 23-yard field goal. Baltimore would answer on a Houston blunder, as rookie OT Duane Brown
committed a holding penalty in his own endzone, giving the Ravens a safety. Baltimore added onto their lead as kicker Steven Hauschka
got a 54-yard field goal. The Texans closed out the half with Brown nailing a 48-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Ravens increased their lead as RB Willis McGahee
got a 1-yard TD run. Houston responded as Rosenfels completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
. However, in the fourth quarter, Baltimore greatly pulled away as Flacco completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Todd Heap
(with a 2-point conversion pass to WR Derrick Mason
), QB Troy Smith
completed a 14-yard TD pass to Heap, and McGahee getting a 4-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 3–6.
for a Week 11 AFC South rematch with the Indianapolis Colts
. In the first quarter, Houston struck first as kicker Kris Brown
got a 28-yard field goal. The Colts responded with kicker Adam Vinatieri
getting a 40-yard field goal. The Texans would answer with Brown making a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Indianapolis tied the game with Vinatieri getting a 39-yard fiel goal. Houston replied with RB Ahman Green
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Colts closed out the half with Vinatieri making a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Indianapolis got the lead as QB Peyton Manning
completed a 23-yard TD pass to RB Joseph Addai
. The Texans regained the lead as rookie RB Steve Slaton
getting a 71-yard TD run. The Colts would answer with Addai getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis increased their lead as Manning completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Marvin Harrison
. Houston tried to come back as Green got a 2-yard TD run, but the Colts pulled away as Vinatieri nailed a 31-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 3–7.
for a Week 12 duel with the Cleveland Browns
. In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as QB Sage Rosenfels
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
. In the second quarter, the Texans increased their lead as kicker Kris Brown
got a 31-yard field goal. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson
getting a pair of 32-yard field goals. Houston would end the half with Brown making a 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Texans continued their dominance as Brown nailed a 36-yard field goal. From there on out, Houston's defense kept Cleveland's offense in check.
With the win, not only did the Texans improve to 4–7, but they finally got their first road win of the season.
.
In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as QB Sage Rosenfels
completed a 31-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
, while kicker Kris Brown
got a 38-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, the Texans increased their lead early in the third quarter as Brown got a 50-yard field goal. The Jaguars would respond with kicker Josh Scobee
getting a 29-yard field goal, yet Houston answered with Brown nailing a 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Houston began to pull away as rookie RB Steve Slaton
got a 7-yard TD run. Jacksonville would answer with RB Fred Taylor getting a 4-yard TD run, yet the Texans immediately replied as Slaton got a 40-yard TD run. The Jaguars would close out the game with QB David Garrard
completing an 18-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
.
With the win, Houston improved to 5–7.
This was the first time that Houston hosted a football game on Monday night in 14 years. The last Monday night game that was held in Houston was on November 21, 1994 in the Houston Astrodome when the Houston Oilers
were defeated by the New York Giants
13–10.
for a Week 14 interconference duel with the Green Bay Packers
. Houston shot early in the first quarter as QB Matt Schaub
completed a 58-yard TD pass to wide receiver Kevin Walter
. The Packers would respond in the second quarter with QB Aaron Rodgers
completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to TE Donald Lee, yet the Texans would close out the half with a 30-yard field goal from kicker Kris Brown
.
Houston would get the third quarter's only points as Brown got a 41-yard field goal. Green Bay would answer in the fourth quarter as RB Ryan Grant
got a 6-yard touchdown run, yet the Texans replied with Schaub completing an 11-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Andre Johnson
. The Packers would tie the game as Rodgers completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson
. Forunately, Houston got the last laugh as Brown nailed the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the win, the Texans improved to 6–7.
. Houston would trail early in the first quarter as Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chaz Schilens
. The Texans would respond with fullback Vonta Leach
's 1-yard touchdown run. However, Oakland responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. Houston would tie the game in the second quarter as kicker Kris Brown
got a 53-yard and a 24-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders scored two unanswered touchdowns: wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins
caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russell, followed by an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Texans tried to come back in the fourth quarter: Brown nailed a 40-yard field goal, but that was too little, too late.
With the loss, Houston fell to 7–8.
. Houston would trail early in the first quarter as Bears quarterback Kyle Orton
completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd
, followed by a 37-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould
. The Texans would respond and take the lead as quarterback Matt Schaub
a 43-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andre Johnson
.
In the third quarter, Houston would add on to their lead as running back Ryan Moats
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. Chicago would answer with Orton completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen
. In the fourth quarter, the Texans would pull away as kicker Kris Brown
nailed a 22-yard field goal, followed by rookie running back Steve Slaton
's 2-yard touchdown run. The Bears would try to come back as Orton got a 1-yard touchdown run, yet Houston's defense would stiffen for the victory.
With the win, the Texans closed out their season at 8–8.
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the 7th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. Though the Texans lost their first four games of the season, they rallied and won five of their last six games, to finish with an 8–8 record for the second consecutive year.
The 2008 season also marked the Texans' first appearance on Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
.
Player additions/subtractions
Additions:- LB Kevin BentleyKevin BentleyKevin Kinte Bentley is an American football linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
- RB Chris BrownChris Brown (American football)Christopher Rejean Brown is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- SS Nick FergusonNick FergusonNick Ferguson was an American football safety in the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
- QB Quinn GrayQuinn GrayQuinn F. Gray, Sr. is a former American football quarterback who played for four seasons in the National Football League and one season each in the United Football League and NFL Europe. He played for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2003, the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2005–2007, the Kansas City...
(Released before regular season) - C Chris MyersChris Myers (American football)Chris Myers is an football center for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami...
- CB Jacques ReevesJacques ReevesJacques Dimitri Reeves is a free agent American football cornerback of the National Football League. Reeves most recently played for the Houston Texans. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
- LB Chaun ThompsonChaun ThompsonChaun Thompson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- LB Rosevelt ColvinRosevelt ColvinRosevelt Colvin, III is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, he played college football at Purdue....
(Released before regular season)
Subtractions:
- LB Charlie AndersonCharlie AndersonCharlie Alexander Anderson is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
- SS Michael BoulwareMichael BoulwareMichael Boulware is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.Boulware has also played for the Houston Texans in his career...
- LB Danny Clark
- DB Von HutchinsVon HutchinsTahaya De'Von Hutchins is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at the Mississippi.Hutchins has also played for the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons in his...
- WR Jerome MathisJerome MathisJerome Alvon Mathis is a professional American and Canadian football wide receiver and kick returner who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football for Hampton.Mathis has also been a member of the Washington...
- TE Jeb PutzierJeb PutzierJebediah Lee Putzier ) is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent.-Early years:Putzier attended Eagle High School in his hometown Eagle, Idaho. He also lettered in Basketball...
- C Mike Flanagan
- C Steve McKinneySteve McKinneyStephen Michael McKinney is a former offensive guard in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
- LB Shawn BarberShawn BarberSteven William "Shawn" Barber is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Richmond. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and...
- OT Jordan Black
Draft
| Round/Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/26 (from Baltimore) | Duane Brown Duane Brown Duane Anthony Brown is an American football offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He was drafted in the first round by the Texans in the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Offensive tackle | Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
| 3/79 | Antwaun Molden Antwaun Molden Antwaun Molden is an American football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football for Eastern Kentucky.-Early years:Molden was born in Warren, Ohio... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Western Kentucky Western Kentucky University Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier.... |
| 3/89 (from Baltimore) | Steve Slaton Steve Slaton Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Running back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
West Virginia West Virginia University West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;... |
| 4/118 | Xavier Adibi Xavier Adibi Xavier Oyekola Adibi is an American football linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
| 5/151 | Frank Okam Frank Okam Franklin Nonyelu Okam, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.-Early years:... |
Defensive tackle | Texas Texas Longhorns football The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National... |
| 6/173 (from Baltimore) | Dominique Barber Dominique Barber Dominique J. Barber is an American football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Texans in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota.... |
Safety | Minnesota University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557... |
| 7/223 | Alex Brink Alex Brink Alex Brink is a professional Canadian football quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League... |
Quarterback Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
Washington State Washington State University Washington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1890, WSU is the state's original and largest land-grant university... |
The Texans had seven selections in the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. The Texans originally had five before the draft after having traded their second round selection to the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
to land quarterback Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
and their sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for center Chris Myers
Chris Myers (American football)
Chris Myers is an football center for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami...
. The Texans traded their first-round pick with the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
for their third and sixth-round selections along with their first-round pick.
Coaching staff
Head coach Gary KubiakGary Kubiak
Gary Wayne Kubiak is the head coach for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Kubiak has participated in six Super Bowls, losing three as a player with the Denver Broncos and winning three as an assistant coach with Denver and the San Francisco 49ers.-High school:Kubiak passed for a...
will be entering his third year (2006 to present) with the Texans. Alex Gibbs
Alex Gibbs
Alex Gibbs is a retired American football coach. Gibbs was to enter his first season on Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks staff as the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line coach in 2010, but announced his unexpected retirement a week before the start of the NFL's 2010 regular season.Gibbs is a...
, who implemented his successful zone blocking scheme with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
joins the staff as the assistant head coach, replacing Mike Sherman
Mike Sherman
Michael Francis "Mike" Sherman is the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. Prior to coaching the Aggies, he served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from the 2000–05 seasons. Sherman led the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons from 2000–04 and three divisional titles...
, who left to become the head coach at Texas A&M
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
.
Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan is an NFL offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins. Shanahan, at 28 years, 26 days old, became the youngest coordinator in the NFL when he was promoted by the Houston Texans on January 11, 2008...
, son of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan
Mike Shanahan
Michael Edward "Mike" Shanahan is the 28th and current head coach of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Shanahan also holds the title of Vice President of Football Operations with the Redskins, giving him full control over player personnel with the team. Shanahan previously...
, takes over as the offensive coordinator this year in place of Sherman.
Preseason
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Game site | Record | Match Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9, 2008 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 19–16 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
1–0 | Recap |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | at New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
W 31–27 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
2–0 | Recap |
| 3 | August 22, 2008 | at Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
L 22–23 | Texas Stadium Texas Stadium Texas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675... |
2–1 | Recap |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
L 6–16 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
2–2 | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Game site | Record | Match Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | at Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L 38–17 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
0–1 | Recap |
| Bye due to Hurricane Ike Hurricane Ike Hurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954... |
||||||
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | at Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
L 31–12 | LP Field LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.... |
0–2 | Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | at Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 30–27 OT | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | 0–3 | Recap |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
L 31–27 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
0–4 | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 29–28 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
1–4 | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 28–21 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
2–4 | Recap |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
W 35–6 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
3–4 | Recap |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | at Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
L 28–21 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
3–5 | Recap |
| 10 | November 9, 2008 | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... ** |
L 41–13 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
3–6 | Recap |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | at Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
L 33–27 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
3–7 | Recap |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | at Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 16–6 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
4–7 | Recap |
| 13 | December 1, 2008 | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... * |
W 30–17 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
5–7 | Recap |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
W 24–21 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
6–7 | Recap |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
W 13–12 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
7–7 | Recap |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | at Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 27–16 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | 7–8 | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 31–24 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
8–8 | Recap |
*Asterisk indicates a Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
game.
** Postponed due to Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
. The NFL has moved the game to November 9 (Week 10), which was the Ravens' bye week, and also moved the Texans/Bengals game from November 9 to October 26 (Week 8), which was a bye week for both teams.
Week 1: at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Texans began their 2008 campaign on the road against the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Steelers RB Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Texans continued to trail as Parker got a 13-yard TD run, while QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. Houston would end the half with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 34-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Texans continued to trail as Parker got a 4-yard TD run, while Roethlisberger and Ward hooked up with each other again on a 16-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, Houston replied with QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Pittsburgh would respond with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 44-yard field goal. The Texans would close out the game with Schaub getting a 4-yard TD run.
With the loss, Houston began its season at 0–1.
Week 2: Bye Week
The Texans were originally scheduled to play the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
in Week 2, but due to structural damage to Reliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
by Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
, the game was postponed until Week 10. This allowed both Houston and Baltimore to take their bye week.
Week 3: at Tennessee Titans
Coming off their unexpected bye week, the Texans flew to LP FieldLP Field
LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
for a Week 3 AFC South duel with the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. In the first quarter, Houston struck first with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 44-yard field goal. The Titans responded with RB LenDale White
LenDale White
LenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Texans answered with Brown kicking a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Tennessee increased its lead with QB Kerry Collins
Kerry Collins
Kerry Michael Collins is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, the first choice in the franchise's history...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Bo Scaife
Bo Scaife
Oliver Edward "Bo" Scaife, III is an American football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The Texans would answer with rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 6-yard TD run (with a failed PAT). The Titans closed out the first half with White's 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Tennessee added on to its lead with kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
nailing a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Titans sealed the win with CB Cortland Finnegan
Cortland Finnegan
Cortland Temujin Finnegan is an American football defensive back for the Tennessee Titans. He played college football for Samford University.-High school career:...
returning an interception 99 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, Houston fell to 0–2.
Week 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Still searching for their first win of the year, the Texans flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 4 AFC South duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Jaguars FB Montell Owens
Montell Owens
Montell Ernest Owens is an American football fullback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Maine. He was listed in the Top 200 Players in the NFL Today by NFL Power Rankings 2011...
took a fake punt and ran 41 yards for a touchdown. The Texans got on the board with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Houston took the lead as QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completed a 30-yard TD pass to rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. Jacksonville ended the half with kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
getting a 46-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Jaguars retook the lead with QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones
Matt Jones (American football)
Matthew Jones is a former American football wide receiver . He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and retired officially in November 2010. He played college football at Arkansas....
. The Texans would tie the game with Schaub completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Jacksonville responded with Scobee's 40-yard field goal. Houston would retake the lead with Schaub hooking up with Walter again on an 8-yard TD pass. However, the Jaguars got the lead again as Garrard got a 5-yard TD run. The Texans would tie game on Brown's 47-yard field goal. However, in overtime, Jacksonville sealed Houston's fate as Scobee nailed the game-winning 37-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 0–3.
Week 5: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Jaguars, the Texans finally got to play their home opener as they played a Week 5 AFC South duel with the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. Due to an illness, QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
was unable to play, allowing backup QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
to get the start.
In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
got a 46-yard field goal, along with RB Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Texans responded with rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run, kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 37-yard field goal, and Rosenfels completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
. In the third quarter, Houston increased its lead with Brown nailing a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Texans continued its run with Slaton getting a 1-yard TD run, expanding their lead to 17 points. What followed would go down into NFL history books, as Sage Rosenfels fumbled twice and threw two interceptions to blow the biggest lead inside of 5 minutes in NFL history. The key play was known as the 'Rosencopter' play, when on third-and-eight, Rosenfels opted to try to hurdle a defender rather than sliding short of the first down. Gary Brackett
Gary Brackett
Gary Lawrence Brackett is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Rutgers.-Early years:Brackett attended Glassboro High School in Glassboro, New Jersey....
recovered the fumble for a 58 yard touchdown, and Rosenfels was never the same afterwards, turning the ball over twice more. With the loss, Houston fell to 0–4.
Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins
Coming off a heartbreaking home loss to the Colts, the Texans stayed at home for a Week 6 duel with the Miami DolphinsMiami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Dolphins QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 53-yard TD pass to RB Patrick Cobbs
Patrick Cobbs
Patrick Cobbs is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He most recently was a member of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. The Texans would respond with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Miami added on to its lead as Pennington completed an 80-yard TD pass to Cobbs. Houston would answer with Brown kicking a 33-yard field goal and WR Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Lane College....
returning a punt 70 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Texans took the lead with QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completing a 12-yar TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
, but the Dolphins replied with RB Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
getting a 5-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Houston regained the lead as Brown got a 42-yard field goal, yet Miami struck back RB Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers...
got a 6-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Texans got the last laugh as Schaub got the game-winning 3-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the wild win, Houston improved to 1–4.
Week 7: vs. Detroit Lions
Coming off their last-second win over the Dolphins, the Texans continued their home stand with a Week 7 interconference duel with the winless Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels is an American football tight end and emergency backup quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
, along with RB Ahman Green
Ahman Green
Ahman Rashad Green is a retired American football running back. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Texans increased their lead as rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. The Lions would respond with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit tried to catch up as RB Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
got a 26-yard TD run. Houston would answer with Schaub hooking up with Daniels again on a 1-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to rally as QB Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky
Daniel John Orlovsky is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Detroit Lions drafted Orlovsky in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 96-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson (American football)
Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
, along with Hanson nailing a 54-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Texans' defense stiffened for the victory.
With the win, Houston improved to 2–4.
Week 8: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off their win over the Lions, the Texans closed out their four-game home stand against the winless Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as WR Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Lane College....
returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. The Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 43-yard field goal. The Texans increased their lead as QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. Cincinnati would close out the half as Graham nailed a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Houston began to pull away as Schaub completed a 7-yard and a 39-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Texans closed out their home stand in style with rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 20-yard TD run.
With the win, not only did Houston improve to 3–4, but they won three straight games for the first time in franchise history.
Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings
Coming off their home win over the Bengals, the Texans flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Vikings RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run. The Texans responded with CB Jacques Reeves
Jacques Reeves
Jacques Dimitri Reeves is a free agent American football cornerback of the National Football League. Reeves most recently played for the Houston Texans. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
returning an interception 44 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Minnesota answered with QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
and a 49-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, Houston tried to rally as QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR David Anderson. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings replied with Frerotte completing a 25-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
. The Texans tried to come back as Rosenfels completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
. However, the Vikings' defense stiffened for the win.
With the loss, Houston fell to 3–5.
QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
(21/29 for 224 yards and 1 interception), who started the game, left after the first half with a sprained left knee.
Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Vikings, the Texans went home for a Week 10 duel with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. Both teams were supposed to play each other in Week 2, but Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
forced them to reschedule their game to this week.
With QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
out with an injury, back-up QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
was given the start.
In the first quarter, Houston trailed early as Ravens QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Yamon Figurs
Yamon Figurs
Yamon Figurs is an American football wide receiver and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Texans responded with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
getting a 23-yard field goal. Baltimore would answer on a Houston blunder, as rookie OT Duane Brown
Duane Brown
Duane Anthony Brown is an American football offensive tackle for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He was drafted in the first round by the Texans in the 2008 NFL Draft...
committed a holding penalty in his own endzone, giving the Ravens a safety. Baltimore added onto their lead as kicker Steven Hauschka
Steven Hauschka
Steven Hauschka is an American football placekicker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
got a 54-yard field goal. The Texans closed out the half with Brown nailing a 48-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Ravens increased their lead as RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. Houston responded as Rosenfels completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. However, in the fourth quarter, Baltimore greatly pulled away as Flacco completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Todd Heap
Todd Heap
Todd Benjamin Heap is an American football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State-Early years:At Mountain View High School, in Mesa, Arizona,...
(with a 2-point conversion pass to WR Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason
Derrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
), QB Troy Smith
Troy Smith
Troy James Smith is an American football quarterback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.Smith has also played for the San Francisco 49ers. He...
completed a 14-yard TD pass to Heap, and McGahee getting a 4-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 3–6.
Week 11: at Indianapolis Colts
Trying to snap a two-game losing streak and avenge their Week 5 collapse, the Texans flew to Lucas Oil StadiumLucas Oil Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to...
for a Week 11 AFC South rematch with the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Houston struck first as kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
got a 28-yard field goal. The Colts responded with kicker Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
getting a 40-yard field goal. The Texans would answer with Brown making a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Indianapolis tied the game with Vinatieri getting a 39-yard fiel goal. Houston replied with RB Ahman Green
Ahman Green
Ahman Rashad Green is a retired American football running back. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Colts closed out the half with Vinatieri making a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Indianapolis got the lead as QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
completed a 23-yard TD pass to RB Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...
. The Texans regained the lead as rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 71-yard TD run. The Colts would answer with Addai getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis increased their lead as Manning completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Marvin Harrison
Marvin Harrison
Marvin Daniel Harrison is a former American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse...
. Houston tried to come back as Green got a 2-yard TD run, but the Colts pulled away as Vinatieri nailed a 31-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 3–7.
Week 12: at Cleveland Browns
Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Texans flew to Cleveland Browns StadiumCleveland Browns Stadium
-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
for a Week 12 duel with the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Texans increased their lead as kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
got a 31-yard field goal. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
getting a pair of 32-yard field goals. Houston would end the half with Brown making a 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Texans continued their dominance as Brown nailed a 36-yard field goal. From there on out, Houston's defense kept Cleveland's offense in check.
With the win, not only did the Texans improve to 4–7, but they finally got their first road win of the season.
Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Coming off their road win over the Browns, the Texans went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played in their very first Monday Night Football game in franchise history, as they played a Week 13 AFC South rematch with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In the first quarter, Houston drew first blood as QB Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels
Sage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
completed a 31-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
, while kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
got a 38-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, the Texans increased their lead early in the third quarter as Brown got a 50-yard field goal. The Jaguars would respond with kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
getting a 29-yard field goal, yet Houston answered with Brown nailing a 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Houston began to pull away as rookie RB Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
got a 7-yard TD run. Jacksonville would answer with RB Fred Taylor getting a 4-yard TD run, yet the Texans immediately replied as Slaton got a 40-yard TD run. The Jaguars would close out the game with QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completing an 18-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (wide receiver)
Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
.
With the win, Houston improved to 5–7.
This was the first time that Houston hosted a football game on Monday night in 14 years. The last Monday night game that was held in Houston was on November 21, 1994 in the Houston Astrodome when the Houston Oilers
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
were defeated by the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
13–10.
Week 14: at Green Bay Packers
With their MNF home win over the Jaguars fresh in their minds, the Texans flew to Lambeau FieldLambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
for a Week 14 interconference duel with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. Houston shot early in the first quarter as QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
completed a 58-yard TD pass to wide receiver Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. The Packers would respond in the second quarter with QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to TE Donald Lee, yet the Texans would close out the half with a 30-yard field goal from kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
.
Houston would get the third quarter's only points as Brown got a 41-yard field goal. Green Bay would answer in the fourth quarter as RB Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant
Ryan Brett Grant is a running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005 but was traded to the Packers shortly before the 2007 season in exchange for a future sixth-round draft pick...
got a 6-yard touchdown run, yet the Texans replied with Schaub completing an 11-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
. The Packers would tie the game as Rodgers completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson
Jordy Nelson
Jordy Ray Nelson is an American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State....
. Forunately, Houston got the last laugh as Brown nailed the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the win, the Texans improved to 6–7.
Week 15: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 16: at Oakland Raiders
Coming off their divisional upset win at home over the Titans, the Texans flew to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a Week 16 duel with the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Houston would trail early in the first quarter as Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chaz Schilens
Chaz Schilens
Chazeray "Chaz" Schilens is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. The Texans would respond with fullback Vonta Leach
Vonta Leach
Terzell Vonta Leach is an American football fullback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
's 1-yard touchdown run. However, Oakland responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. Houston would tie the game in the second quarter as kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
got a 53-yard and a 24-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders scored two unanswered touchdowns: wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Johnnie Lee Higgins is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round out of the University of Texas at El Paso in the 2007 NFL Draft.Higgins has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles...
caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russell, followed by an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Texans tried to come back in the fourth quarter: Brown nailed a 40-yard field goal, but that was too little, too late.
With the loss, Houston fell to 7–8.
Week 17: vs. Chicago Bears
Hoping to end their season on a high note, the Texans closed out their season at home in a Week 17 interconference duel with the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Houston would trail early in the first quarter as Bears quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, followed by a 37-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
. The Texans would respond and take the lead as quarterback Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...
a 43-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...
.
In the third quarter, Houston would add on to their lead as running back Ryan Moats
Ryan Moats
Ryan Moats is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. Chicago would answer with Orton completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Texans would pull away as kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
nailed a 22-yard field goal, followed by rookie running back Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
's 2-yard touchdown run. The Bears would try to come back as Orton got a 1-yard touchdown run, yet Houston's defense would stiffen for the victory.
With the win, the Texans closed out their season at 8–8.