**Thursday Night Takeaways: Texans-Jets**

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Post on Nov 01, 2024

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Thursday Night Takeaways: Texans-Jets

The Houston Texans pulled off a stunning upset against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, defeating them 20-14 in a game that went down to the wire. This victory signifies a potential turning point for the Texans, while the Jets face questions about their ability to overcome a growing number of challenges.

Texans: Defense Shines, Mills Shows Promise

Houston's defense was the story of the game. They held the Jets to a paltry 14 points, forcing three turnovers and sacking Zach Wilson four times. The Texans' defensive line, led by Jerry Hughes and Christian Harris, consistently pressured Wilson, disrupting the Jets' offense. This impressive performance comes after a season where the Texans struggled defensively.

Lovie Smith's aggressive schemes and the team's commitment to playing physical football paid off. The Texans forced multiple stops on fourth down, and they were able to get off the field on crucial third downs. This defensive intensity was a welcome sight for Texans fans, and it serves as a strong foundation for the rest of the season.

On offense, Texans quarterback Davis Mills had a decent outing. He threw for 188 yards and a touchdown, while managing the game efficiently. While he didn't have a flashy performance, Mills demonstrated that he can be a capable leader for this young team. His ability to extend plays with his legs was crucial, especially against a Jets defense that showed tendencies to blitz.

Jets: Offensive Struggles Continue

The Jets' offensive struggles continued in Week 1. They were unable to establish a consistent rhythm, failing to generate any explosive plays. The offensive line, which was expected to be a strength, struggled to provide protection for Zach Wilson. While Wilson completed 18 of 35 passes, he looked hesitant and uncomfortable throughout the game. He appeared to be under duress most of the night and was unable to find a consistent connection with his receivers.

One of the biggest issues for the Jets was their inability to run the ball effectively. Breece Hall, the team's prized rookie running back, was limited to just 25 yards on 10 carries. The Jets' inability to create space for their running backs hampered their offensive tempo and predictability.

The Jets' defense, despite allowing 20 points, played well for the most part. They were able to limit the Texans' offensive firepower and came up with big plays throughout the game. However, they were unable to create turnovers and were ultimately outplayed by the Texans' defense.

Takeaways and Looking Ahead

• Texans' Defense: A New Era? The Texans' defensive performance suggests a possible shift in their identity. With a strong foundation on defense, they have the potential to be competitive in a wide-open AFC South.
• Jets' Offense: A Work In Progress: The Jets' offense faces a significant challenge. They must find a way to establish a consistent running game and create more opportunities for their receivers. Wilson's development will be crucial for their offensive success.
• The Importance of Takeaways: This game highlighted the importance of turnovers. The Texans forced three turnovers, while the Jets only had one. This disparity played a major role in determining the outcome of the game.

The Jets will have to quickly address their offensive woes if they want to live up to their preseason expectations. The Texans, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum and continue their defensive dominance. This game serves as a reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen, and surprises are always lurking around the corner.