Brock Osweiler's first start as a Texan ended in a 23-14 victory in front of a record home crowd. Osweiler was steady, completing 22-of-35 for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He was assisted by 100-yard performances rookie Will Fuller and running back Lamar Miller.
Fuller led the wide receivers with five catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. Miller rushed for 106 yards on 28 carries. Eight different Texans player had a catch on the day, including four rookies: Fuller, Braxton Miller, Stephen Anderson, and Tyler Ervin. DeAndre Hopkins caught five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown, scoring in Texans season opener for the third-straight year.
J.J. Watt returned to the starting lineup for his 81st consecutive career start. The Texans defense sacked Jay Cutler five times in the win: Whitney Mercilus (2), Jadeveon Clowney (1), John Simon (1), and A.J. Bouye (1). Safety Andre Hal had the lone interception of the day. Cutler was 16-of-29 for 216 yards, one touchdown, one interception and 76.2 passer rating.
The Texans offense struggled early, as Osweiler threw an interception on the opening drive of the game. Osweiler's pass, intended for Hopkins, was picked off by Bears cornerback Tracy Porter. Eight plays and 75 yards later, Jeremy Langford scored on a one-yard touchdown run to give the Bears an early 7-0 lead.
Houston scored ten unanswered points in the second quarter on back-to-back drives. After Nick Novak's 28-yard field goal, the Texans added their first touchdown of the day. Hopkins caught a 23-yard touchdown pass to cap off a 10-play, 61-yard drive that took 4:49 off the clock. The Texans led 10-7 with 3:14 left in the first half.
The Bears fired back with a short 0:31 drive. Cutler's deep 54-yard pass to Alshon Jeffery was followed by a 19-yard touchdown throw to Eddie Royal on the next play. Chicago took a 14-10 lead heading into halftime.
Andre Hal intercepted Cutler on the second play of the third quarter. Novak added another 28-yard field goal and the Texans trailed 14-13.
Houston regained its lead early in the fourth quarter when Osweiler threw his second touchdown of the day after a nine-play, 64-yard drive. Fuller caught the short pass on third-and-7 to score an 18-yard touchdown. Novak added his third field goal, a 38-yard kick, and the Texans led 23-14 with 6:10 left in the game.
The Texans improve to 1-0 on the season and will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 at NRG Stadium.
Check out the best photos throughout the Texans first regular season game vs. the Bears.
