The Texans fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 in the season opener at home.
After trailing by as many as 21, the Texans rallied back to within one score late in the game.
Two early turnovers, which included a fumble after a strip sack and an interception, proved costly for Brian Hoyer. The Chiefs capitalized on both, scoring 14 points and taking a 27-9 lead going into the lockerroom at halftime.
Ryan Mallett entered the game midway through fourth quarter, adding a touchdown and two-point conversion on his first series. He finished 8-of-14 for 98 yards, one touchdown, and a 102.7 passer rating.
The Texans were lead on defense by J.J.
Watt, who had nine tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and two sacks. DeAndre Hopkins caught 9 passes for 98 yards. He scored both Texans touchdowns and the two-point conversion. Nate Washington added six catches for 105 yards.
The Chiefs took an early 14-0 lead on two touchdown passes from Alex Smith to tight end Travis Kelce. The first score came two plays after Hoyer's pass was intercepted by rookie cornerback Marcus Peters, deep in Texans territory.
Hoyer and the Texans offense picked up steam late in the first quarter, moving the ball 80 yards in eight plays. Hoyer's first touchdown as a Texan was to Hopkins on a 4-yard pass in the right corner of the endzone. Randy Bullock missed faile to convert the extra point attempt. The Texans trailed 14-6 with 0:46 left in the first quarter.
The Chiefs added two field goals from 27 and 48 yards, respectively to extend their lead 20-6.
Hoyer's second turnover came with 5:09 left in the second quarter, as the Chiefs recovered a strip sack at the Houston 7-yard line. One play later, Kansas City found the endzone when Jamaal Charles scored on a short touchdown pass.
Hoyer orchestrated an 11-play, 64-yard scoring drive before the half, but the Texans had to settle for a field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, Ryan Mallett entered the game with 6:10 left in the fourth quarter. On his first series, Mallett threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins after a 7-play, 59-yard drive. He also successfully converted the ensuing two-point play to Hopkins to cut the Chiefs lead to 10.
Bullock added his second field goal of the day after Mallett's second series in the game, a 47-yard kick. The Texans pulled within one score, down just 27-20 with 1:23 left in the game.
The Texans attempted an onside kick, but the Chiefs recovered and then ran out the clock.
Take a look at photos from Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs.
