The Texans fell 21-13 to the San Diego Chargers for their first home loss of the 2016 season. Despite a late comeback, Houston dropped its second consecutive game as it came off a short week following the Monday night game in Mexico City.
Four turnovers and penalties plagued the Texans. Houston, flagged eight times in the first half, committed nine penalties for 58 yards on the day.
Brock Osweiler was 22-of-37 for 246 yards with one rushing touchdown and three interceptions. DeAndre Hopkins had a team-high five catches for 70 yards. The Texans rushed for 114 yards, led by Lamar Miller who had 19 carries for 57 yards. Miller also added three receptions for 18 yards.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers completed 22-of-30 passes for 242 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Dontrelle Inman led all San Diego receivers with six catches for 119 yards and one touchdowns.
The Texans defense held the Chargers to 67 yards rushing. Benardrick McKinney led the team with 12 tackles, including eight solo, one sack, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss. Quintin Demps' interception was Houston's lone takeway of the day.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Texans took an early lead after a one-yard quarterback plunge by Brock Osweiler. Will Fuller's 33-yard catch on third down was the key play of the drive, giving Houston the ball on the six-yard line. Osweiler's run capped off a 10-play, 72-yard drive. Houston led 7-0 with 11:11 remaining in the second quarter.
The Chargers scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives in the second quarter. Rivers responded with a 52-yard touchdown pass to Inman, tying the game at seven.
A turnover ended Houston's next offensive series. Osweiler's pass, intended for Hopkins, was picked off by cornerback Casey Hayward. Gordon rushed for a 19-yard gain on third-and-1 to set up the Chargers next score. Rivers threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Tyrell Williams on the next play.
After missing a 54-yard field goal, the Chargers headed into halftime with a 14-7 lead.
Both teams had turnovers in the third quarter. On the Texans second possession after halftime, Lamar Miller's 20-yard gain was negated after a fumble. San Diego took over at its 21-yard line but the drive was cut short when the Texans forced a takeaway of their own. Quintin Demps intercepted Rivers on third down.
Nick Novak added a 19-yard field goal and the Texans trailed 14-10 with 14:09 in the fourth quarter.
Rivers added his third touchdown of the day as he connected with Hunter Henry.
With less than two minutes remaining, the Texans looked to mount their comeback. On fourth-and-three from deep in Houston territory, Osweiler scrambled 21 yards for a first down. Novak added his second field goal of the day, a 45-yarder, to finish a nine-play, 60-yard drive that took just 2:03.
Jonathan Grimes recovered the ensuing onside kick for Houston. With 0:12 remaining, Osweiler attempted two Hail Mary passes but did not succeed as the final play of the game ended in an interception.
The Texans, who fall to 6-5 on the season, will be on the road for back-to-back games. In Week 13, Houston will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Take a look at the best game photos from the Texans Chargers game.
