This one was for R.C.M.
After a devastating 0-3 start, the Texans have completely turned their season and their playoff chances around in a historic run. Following Monday night's 34-17 win against the Tennessee Titans, the Texans became the first team in NFL history to win eight in a row after three losses to open the season.
Houston set a franchise record for most consecutive wins with their eighth victory and their first games since founder, chairman and CEO Robert C. McNair passed away last Friday. The Texans honored McNair with a video tribute before kickoff. His initials were painted on the NRG Stadium field while players donned the RCM decals on their helmets.
"I think these players, even the younger guys who really didn't have a chance to know him very well, I think everybody understood from the veteran players of what Bob meant to this organization and they handled it the right way," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "That was a good win and a tribute to Bob McNair. We gave the game ball to Cal (McNair) because we felt like as a team that win was for Bob right there."
The Texans, who lost to Tennessee in Week 2, fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter, but then scored 27 unanswered points to take the lead on Monday night. Houston was 3-for-3 in red-zone scoring and put up 462 total net yards of offense in the win.
Deshaun Watson completed 19-of-24 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and a 130.9 passer rating. Watson also rushed for a single-game career high 70 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. In his Houston debut, Demaryius Thomas scored his first two touchdowns as a Texan. Lamar Miller rushed for 162 yards, including a 97-yard score on the longest play from scrimmage in team history. DeAndre Hopkins caught five passes for 74 yards to surpass 1,000 yards on the season.
The Texans defense recorded six sacks on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, led by Christian Covington (2.5) and eight quarterback hits. J.J. Watt had nine tackles (six solo), 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits and one forced fumble.
With the win, the Texans improve to 8-3 on the season and will next host the (4-6-1) Cleveland Browns in Week 13.
