Taylor helps Texans down mistake-prone Jags, 37-21
HOUSTON — With Deshaun Watson out, Tyrod Taylor’s steady play and veteran leadership helped the Houston Texans open the season with a surprising lopsided victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Taylor threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Texans to the 37-21 win Sunday over Trevor Lawrence and the mistake-prone Jaguars.
“We expected to win,” new coach David Culley said. “We’re not surprised simply because we played good football.”
Taylor took over at quarterback for Houston with Watson’s future with the team uncertain after 22 women filed lawsuits alleging sexual assault or harassment after he requested a trade.
“It was fun,” Taylor said. “It
was never about me. It was about coming out and doing whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Expectations for the Texans were low entering this season with Watson out and star defensive end J.J. Watt gone to Arizona. But Taylor and Houston’s revamped running game were more than enough to handle a Jaguars team that didn’t look much better than it was last season when it got just one win despite the addition of top overall pick Lawrence.
“We don’t care if you doubt us… we don’t really care all,” Houston running back Mark Ingram said. “We all believe in each other. We all have faith in each other we all hold each other accountable We believe we have what we need in order to have success.”
Lawrence, the former Clemson standout, became the first rookie quarterback to start an opener in franchise history. It was a bumpy debut during which he threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns but also tossed three interceptions, often overthrew open receivers and was the victim of several drops.
INJURIES
Texans defensive tackle Vincent Taylor was carted off the field with an injury with about 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Culley said he didn’t have any information on his injury and would know more Monday.
TAKEAWAYS
New defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s focus on takeaways paid off in the opener. Houston’s three interceptions Sunday matched the number the team had all last season.
UP NEXT
Jaguars: Host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.
Texans: Visit the Cleveland Browns next Sunday.