Another stress-filled afternoon for the Texans resulted in another win. That's seven in a row for a team that's together, opportunistic and tough.
The 23-21 victory over Washington was another great example of the fine line between winning and losing. And how the Texans have made clutch plays when they've needed them most.
Let's go right to the 4th quarter. A penalty pushed the Texans to 3rd and 20 and out of range to attempt at a go-ahead field goal.
Deshaun Watson found Jordan Thomas for a catch and run that created the field position for Ka'imi Fairbairn's 54-yarder that put Houston up for good.
The Redskins eventually got the ball for one final possession after a late field goal miss from 45 yards. But the defense made enough plays to force Washington coach Jay Gruden into an ill-fated decision to try a 63-yard field goal that fell harmlessly to the earth with three seconds left.
Earlier, the defense scored, with Justin Reid running a pick coast to coast. They also racked up five sacks.
Alex Smith was knocked out of the game in the second half, resulting in a moving scene of both benches emptying to pay tribute to the 14-year veteran.
The game was far from over at that point. While the winning streak lives, the turnover-free streak bit the dust with three cough ups that helped keep Washington in the contest.
Colt McCoy played well in relief of Smith and ended up being his team's second leading rusher despite not even playing a half of football. The leading rusher, Adrian Peterson, was held in check with 51 yards but did finish two drives with TD runs.
Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue ran well, with a combined 132 yards. And Deshaun Watson threw the rock 25 times, marking the fifth consecutive game that he's had passing attempts of 25 or less. That's a number that Bill O'Brien likes, to limit exposure on his quarterback.
The offensive performance was hardly a clinic but Houston did well enough despite losing two starting guards throughout the game. The Texans are far from perfect. Yet their streak is alive, thanks to their tenacity.
Now it's back to NRG Stadium for a three-game home stand and a chance to create more separation in the division.
