The Houston Texans orchestrated one of the most improbable comebacks of the season Sunday, erasing a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that tested every ounce of their resilience.
"It's going to be a heavyweight fight, and we got to keep throwing punches no matter how it looks," Head Coach DeMeco Ryans told his team the night before the game. "It may look rough, it doesn't matter. I didn't want anybody to blink."
They didn't.
With starting QB C.J. Stroud out, backup Davis Mills stepped into the breach and delivered three touchdown passes despite throwing an interception on the opening drive. Mills also added the go-ahead rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter, capping a performance that showcased remarkable composure under pressure.
"I think anytime you start off a little slow… The mentality of our team is to attack every play with aggression and going out there and try to execute every play at a high level," Mills said. "I have always had the mentality to stay confident regardless of what happened on the play before. It's like the old basketball mentality, shooters shoot."
Mills credited his offensive line and the game plan put together by Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley. On his decisive rushing touchdown, he explained how running back Woody Marks made a critical block that opened the path to the end zone. "As I posted up in the pocket, he ended up making a big-time block and I was able to find a way in the end zone."
The Texans' second-half performance represented a complete reversal from their first-half struggles. Ryans emphasized how everything that could go wrong did go wrong early, but his team refused to fold.
"It's the best second half we've had, because we played complementary football," Ryans said. "For us to battle and have that resilience, that's what good football looks like. That's what we've been missing."
WR Nico Collins emerged as a dominant force, reconnecting with Mills in a partnership that dated back to their rookie seasons in 2021. "Nico has always been a big part of what we do. He shined today," Ryans said. "Nico and Davis have had that connection for a while. So, it was fun to see those guys just getting back to what they've done before."
Mills praised Collins as "pretty much a mismatch against everyone they put on the other side" and noted how much the receiver has grown since their rookie year together.
The Texans' defensive line delivered when it mattered most, finishing with five sacks. Danielle Hunter had what Ryans called "one of his best games," applying relentless pressure that ultimately broke Jacksonville's will.
"When we needed it most, there at the end of the game, they came up big time for us," Ryans said. The game ended with DT Sheldon Rankins catching a fumble out of the air and returning it for a touchdown, prompting Ryans to race to the end zone in celebration. "It was one of the most exciting plays I've been a part of."
On the other sideline, Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen struggled to process what had just occurred. "The reality is we gave up a 19-point lead to lose the game. Part of winning in the National Football League is sustaining a lead. We just needed one stop; didn't get one."
Coen acknowledged the challenge his defense faced against the NFL's top-ranked unit. "That's the No. 1 defense in the NFL and that's the reality. Points were definitely hard to come by, especially in the second half," he said, noting his team went just 4-11 on third down compared to Houston's 10-15 efficiency.
When asked about the atmosphere in Jacksonville's locker room, Coen didn't sugarcoat it. "Yeah, definitely. Definitely some probably disbelief, you're like you got a 19-point lead and can't hold onto it. That's disappointing."
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence echoed his coach's frustration. "It's tough losing in general, but to lose that way and control the game and then to just kind of let it go and give it away is tough."
For the Texans, the victory carried special emotional weight. Ryans revealed he had lost his best friend, former Texans defensive end Earl Cochran, and dedicated the win to his memory. "First, I have to give glory to God," Ryans said through visible emotion. "I lost my best friend, Earl Cochran. I know he's smiling down on us right now. He would be very proud."
Ryans described Cochran as "a stand-up guy. Close friend, loving, caring, big heart, give the shirt off his back to anybody."
The Texans' young players continued to impress throughout the game. Rookie LT Aireontae Ersery has improved weekly while playing one of football's most demanding positions. Rookie WRs Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins made key contributions, as did RB Woody Marks.
"We have a lot of young guys," Mills said. "When a young guy comes in, you never want it to seem like there's a young guy in the football game. They're out here making plays. They know exactly what their job is on every play and it's fun having them out there in the huddle because they bring some juice."
Mills, who has spent the season backing up Stroud, maintained a measured perspective on his opportunity. "I come in with the mentality every day that I'm going to bring my best self to the facility every morning. I'm going to push everyone around me to become the best football player they can be and I'm going to push myself to become the best football player I can be."
His teammates clearly believed in him. "The guys had faith in me that I could go out there and get the job done," Mills said.
Ryans hopes the victory serves as a turning point for his team, particularly in how they respond to adversity. "I look at the game as I look at life. Bad things are going to happen. Do you hang your head and go run and hide? Do you quit? Do you give up? No, you keep punching. In life, in football, you got to keep punching and that's what this game showed today."
The coach summed up what he wants his players to take from this improbable win: "You just have to keep playing with heart, playing with resilience and hopefully the film shows our guys proof that we can battle and win in any type of game."
