Whatever It Takes
"Whatever it takes, whoever it takes, however long it takes – finish with a win!"
That's how Coach DeMeco Ryans began his postgame locker room speech.
On a day in which the Texans didn't play their A-game, they came up with a victory that, at 3-1, gives them their best start in eight years.
The day couldn't have started much worse. After a defensive stop, a muffed punt gave the Jaguars point-blank range and a 7-0 lead.
The Bounce Back Boys
Houston responded with a TD drive, capped by a Stephon Diggs scoring run. To say Diggs has been a positive is an understatement, as he had five grabs for 69 yards and the rushing TD.
But the receiver who stole the show is Nico Collins, who caught a touchdown on his way to a career-best 12 catches and 151 yards. He had the best receiving yards four-game start in the history of the franchise – and I don't have to remind you who has played receiver for this team.
Penalties were once again an issue, as the Texans racked up 12, including several drive-hurdles that made live extremely difficult in the second half. Two three-and-outs and a four-and out to start the third quarter were followed by two drives stymied by three holding penalties and an illegal shift. This all happened while the margin of error was paper thin.
But thanks to a Texans defense that put the breaks on the last four Jags' possessions, including a stop on 4th-and-goal, Houston had the ball for one final threat with under three minutes to play.
View the best photos from the Week 4 matchup between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
A photo taken on Sun September 29, 2024 at NRG Stadium with the visiting team vs the Houston Texans
Big Final Drive
That's when the maestro, C.J. Stroud, would not be denied. He went five-for-five on the game winning march, finding Dare Ogunbowale for the go-ahead touchdown and adding to his legend. Ogunbowale once again showed why and how he's so valuable to the squad, making several big plays throughout the afternoon.
All week long, on Texans All Access, John Harris and I have been telling you that this one was likely going down to the wire. It was an early-season pressure-packed division game - and the Jaguars were a wounded and desperate opponent. Yes, the Texans made life harder than it had to be, but this is the NFL, where nothing seems to ever come easy.
Next up is Buffalo, a huge test. Ryans and the coaches have all week to teach and correct what needs work. Expect another unpredictable NFL adventure.
