Moore is indeed better
Texans wide receiver Chris Moore posted single-game career highs in both catches (five) and receiving yards (109) in a 25-22 loss to the Patriots on Sunday, a day after Moore was officially elevated from the practice squad to the team’s active roster.
Moore, who played five previous seasons in Baltimore, was a central figure in the Texans’ game plan against the Patriots, answering questions surrounding the position group leading up to the game regarding just who would be Houston’s third receiver.
The Texans cut slot receiver Anthony Miller on Wednesday, and his apparent replacement, Danny Amendola, was inactive against the Patriots after his hamstring injury kept him limited in every practice preceding Sunday’s game.
Amendola’s absence Sunday made Texans coach David Culley’s curious explanation that the franchise cut Miller because they didn’t have room for both Miller and Amendola on the roster even more strange.
“It’s the same position,” Culley said Wednesday. “With the way we are and the way we’re structured offensively, there’s only room for one of those guys in that position. We feel like that’s the best thing moving forward.”
The Texans also signed freeagent wide receiver Davion Davis, whose 5-11, 195-pound frame profiles him as an inside receiver, to their active roster on Wednesday.
But it was Moore who received his shot.
“Some time throughout the week, I figured I might have my opportunity,” said Moore, who was activated this season once before against the Panthers to assist on special teams. “You never know for sure because the roster is always fluctuating, but I just stayed ready whenever they called my name, I was ready to play.”
Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills hurled a third-down throw downfield in the second quarter, and Moore snagged the jump ball in between two Patriot defensive backs, maintained his footing, then scampered for a 67-yard touchdown that put Houston ahead 12-0 with 12:52 left in the first half.
“Just won my matchups,” Moore said. “(Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly) called some great plays that gave me opportunity to make some great plays. I’m mad I left some stuff on the field. I wish I could have done more, but Davis Mills, you keep seeing him get better. I was just excited to get out there and make some plays for him.”
On the next drive, Moore dropped a touchdown pass in the back of the end zone on first-and-goal at the Patriots 4. The missed opportunity eventually led to a 33-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn that put the Texans ahead 15-9 at halftime.
“That was just me,” Moore said. “I think I had too much speed and momentum. I just dropped the play. That’s the play I wish I got back that I left on the field. That one hurts me.”
Fairbairn’s poor day draws some scrutiny
Culley demurred when asked if he had any considerations of seeking a new kicker after Fairbairn missed two point-after attempts, a 56-yard field goal attempt and booted a kickoff out of bounds.
“I haven’t even thought about it,” Culley said.
The Texans expected more consistency in the special teams when Fairbairn returned from the injured reserve Sept. 30. Fairbairn, who signed a fouryear, $17.65 million contract last season, was placed on the injured reserve Sept. 8 after pulling his muscle during warmups before the preseason finale against the Buccaneers.
Fairbairn was not needed in the Texans’ 40-0 loss at Buffalo last week, and, against the Patriots, Fairbairn missed consecutive point-after attempts when Houston scored two touchdowns in the first half. After the first missed PAT, Fairbairn placed the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, a penalty that gave New England favorable field position at its 40. Mac Jones led the Patriots on a 10-play, 60-yard touchdown drive. Patriots kicker Nick Folk missed his point-after attempt, which kept the score tied at 6.
Fairbairn made a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter, which gave the Texans a 15-9 lead at halftime.
OT Tunsil suffers left thumb injury
Texans starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil injured his left thumb during the second quarter and will have an MRI exam on Monday.
Tunsil “couldn’t really punch” on blocks, Culley said, and spent the rest of the game on the sideline, entering only on field goal and extra-point attempts, “because all they had to do was just sit there and spread his hands out and not punch.”
Backup tackle Geron Christian replaced Tunsil and played right tackle for the remainder of the game.
DE Jenkins makes most of opportunity
Culley said defensive end Jordan Jenkins had a good week of practice leading up to Sunday’s 25-22 loss to the Patriots on Sunday, which led to the coaching staff making regular starter Charles Omenihu inactive for the first time of the season.
Omenihu had been one of Houston’s most effective pass rushers. The 6-5, 280-pound lineman had nine total tackles in four games, and, although Omenihu hadn’t yet recorded a tackle for loss or sack this season, he was tied for the team lead with Whitney Mercilus with three quarterback hits.
Jenkins played in Houston’s first two games, and he was benched for the next two games after recording just two tackles and failing to produce a tackle for loss, sack or quarterback hit.
“We just felt like some other guys needed a chance,” Culley said. “They hadn’t played. Jordan Jenkins hadn’t played (much) this year. He’d been inactive for the most part. We felt like he had a good week of practice, and we wanted to give him an opportunity.”
Jenkins produced his best game as a Texan against the Patriots, recording four tackles, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.