Texans Pull Off Miraculous Comeback, to Squeak by Chargers with 0:00 on the Clock, in Season Opener
Re-posted by Nicholas Stix
Texans rally for 31-28 victory over Chargers in season opener
Posted on September 10, 2013 at 12:45 am by John McClain in 2013 season
Houston Chronicle
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SAN DIEGO – After snoozing their way through the first half and the first drive of the third quarter when they trailed 28-7, someone provided the Texans with some smelling salts, and they awakened in time to produce a magnificent 31-28 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
Randy Bullock's 41-yard field goal with no time left on the clock sent a rowdy contingent of Texans fans into a frenzy at Qualcomm Stadium, and they continued to celebrate long after the terrific fourth quarter ended.
"The kick felt very smooth," Bullock said. "Once you hit it well, you know. It was awesome to put those last points on the board."
Bullock's field goal was the only time the Texans led in a late game that was nationally televised by ESPN. Bullock was presented with the game ball.
"I'm not sure what to do with it," said Bullock, a fifth-round pick last year who spent his rookie season on injured reserve. "I'm honored, but I don't even know how to pack it."
The victory was engineered by quarterback Matt Schaub, who put on an extraordinary performance after his first pass was tipped and intercepted to set up a quick San Diego touchdown.
Schaub finished with 34-of-45 for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He ignited the comeback by collaborating with his favorite receiver, Andre Johnson, who caught 12 passes for 146 yards.
"Andre was Andre," running back Ben Tate said. "That's what happens when you have a future Hall of Famer on your team. You get him the ball."
Tight end Owen Daniels caught two touchdown passes. Inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepted Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown that tied the score 28-28.
Obviously, Cushing wasn't weighted down by his new contract. His touchdown turned the stadium into a mausoleum and ignited the Texans to victory after their horrendous start.
The Texans' defense was torched by Rivers for four touchdown passes. The fourth one staked the Chargers to the 28-7 lead in the third quarter.
At that point, the Texans turned into a different team, and they erupted for three touchdowns and a field goal to begin the season 1-0.
Not to be overlooked in the comeback was some outstanding punting by Shane Lechler, one of the greatest in history. He kept the Chargers inside their 20 in the fourth quarter, and the defense forced the three-and-out possessions that were so necessary to the rally.
J.J. Watt made splendid plays in the fourth quarter when the Texans were desperate to shut down Rivers and running back Ryan Mathews, both of whom caused damage through the first drive of the third quarter.
On the Chargers' last three series, they went three-and-out two times, and Cushing made his interception on the other.
Depending on your loyalty, this was a beast-and-beauty game for the Texans. They began the game in pathetic fashion.
It looked as if this would be a wretched evening when Schaub's first pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by nose tackle Cam Thomas.
Imagine – an interception by a nose tackle. If that's not a bad sign, nothing is.
The Chargers' first drive of the season began at the Texans' 14. A great call isolated Mathews on outside linebacker Brooks Reed, who couldn't handle him on what turned into an easy touchdown pass from Rivers.
To the Texans' credit, they responded in impressive fashion, moving 71 yards in 10 plays to tie the score. Schaub completed three passes on the series, including a 1-yard touchdown to Daniels.
On that series, the Texans seemed to have discovered the running game they rely on so heavily. Ben Tate had runs of 14 and 8 yards. Arian Foster had a 9-yarder for a first down at the 1. Schaub connected with Daniels on the next play.
From that point, the Texans were an abomination until they mounted their comeback. The defense allowed the Chargers to go 80 yards. Cornerback Brice McCain made it easy at the end of the drive trying to cover receiver Eddie Royal.
First, McCain was called for a 21-yard interference penalty at the Texans' 6. Then Royal beat McCain to the corner, and Rivers threw him a perfect pass for a 14-7 lead.
The next series by the offense was hard to stomach. The Texans reached San Diego's 27 and faced third-and-1. Foster was stuffed on third down. Kubiak elected to go for it on fourth down, and Foster was steamrolled again.
The next time the Texans got the ball, what was ruled a 67-yard touchdown pass from Schaub to Johnson was overturned by the replay official. They reached the San Diego 23 and faced third-and-1. Receiver Lestar Jean placed his personal stamp on this series with his second holding call. The series ended with Randy Bullock missing a 51-yard field goal.
Rivers' fourth touchdown pass made it 28-7 with 10:42 left in the third quarter.
At that point, the Texans acted as if it wasn't past their bedtime. With Schaub showing them the way by spreading the ball all over the field, they averted disaster by finally performing the way Super Bowl contenders are supposed to play.
Week 1: Texans 31, Chargers 28
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(Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)
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(Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)
Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers as time exprires [sic].
Texans' 2013 season
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(Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)
(Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)
Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Chargers as time expired.
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John McClain has covered the NFL for the Houston Chronicle for 33 years. He can be heard on Sports Radio 610 in Houston and 104.5 The Zone in Nashville.
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