NFLSep 30
Texans’ Late Decisions Prove Costly as Raiders Stay Unbeaten
Houston’s game management and coverage problems stood out in Week 3, while Brock Bowers delivered a dominant return for Las Vegas.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Houston lets an opportunity slip
The Texans fell to 0-3 with a 19-17 loss to the Colts, leaving coach DeMeco Ryans’ late-game decisions under scrutiny. Trailing 16-7 with 7:36 left, Houston chose a field goal rather than attempting to extend a drive inside the 10-yard line. A subsequent forced fumble and Woody Marks touchdown put the Texans ahead 17-16, but that advantage still left Indianapolis within a field goal of victory. Clock management compounded the problem. After Jonathan Taylor gained 5 yards, Ryans allowed the clock to move from 1:04 to 0:29 before calling timeout. Houston eventually regained possession with only 11 seconds remaining.
Colts exploit the middle
Jones repeatedly attacked Houston’s interior coverage, completing 20-for-25 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown between the numbers. That production accounted for most of his 235 passing yards. The absence of injured linebacker Henry To’oTo’o exposed backups Jake Hansen and Wade Woodaz in coverage. When Azeez Al-Shaair also missed time with a groin injury, Houston struggled to defend intermediate routes through the middle. Those quick interior throws gave Indianapolis a way to avoid outside cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. And Kamari Lassiter while limiting the pass rush’s opportunities.
Bowers powers unbeaten Raiders
Las Vegas reached 3-0 by beating New Orleans 35-27 in a game highlighted by tight end production. Brock Bowers opened his season with 10 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Since entering the league in 2024, he has produced four games with 10-plus catches, 100-plus receiving yards and at least a touchdown, matching the combined total for all other tight ends over that span. The Saints countered with two touchdowns apiece from Noah Fant and Juwan Johnson. Meanwhile, the Raiders deployed Bowers in the slot or out wide on 24 of his 33 routes, with every target coming from those alignments.
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