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Thanks for following our live blog of today's action! Was definitely an exciting game. We'll see you next time.
In one of the best games of the day, the Houston Texans, behind quarterback Deshaun Watson's stellar play, rallied from eight points down in the fourth quarter to defeat the visiting Oakland Raiders, 27-24. Houston is 5-3 and remains in second place in the AFC South, while Oakland drops to 3-4 while remaining in second place in the AFC West.
Houston's win has come at a cost, however, with All-Pro pass rusher J.J. Watt sustaining a torn pec that will end his 2019 season. Oakland also suffered a significant injury on Sunday, as two-time Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson left Sunday's game with a lower leg injury during the first quarter.
Here's how Watson and the Texans were able to outlast the Raiders, who enjoyed a stellar performance from their franchise quarterback, Derek Carr.
Why the Texans won
Watson came up with several big plays while helping make up for the loss of Watt. After setting for field goals earlier in the game, the Texans scored two fourth quarter touchdowns on strikes to Darren Fells that included the game-winning score with 6:26 remaining. Watson was virtually unstoppable, throwing for 279 yards and three scores while also picking up several key first downs with his legs. Running back Carlos Hyde, after not doing much early, had several big runs during the second half, finishing the game with 83 yards on 19 carries. DeAndre Hopkins had another big game, catching a game-high 11 passes for 109 yards.
Houston's defense, after struggling to stop rookie running back Josh Jacobs and Oakland's running game in the first half, did a much better job in the second half, as Houston outrushed Oakland, 130-93.
Why the Raiders lost
Penalties killed the Raiders on Sunday, as Oakland was flagged 11 times for 100 yards. Richie Incognito's holding call was possibly the most damaging as it came on the Raiders' final possession and wiped out a big run by Jacobs while ultimately forcing an Oakland punt. Speaking of Jacobs, he finished the game with 66 yards on just 15 carries while playing through a shoulder injury.
Tyrell Williams, who gave the Raiders a 21-13 lead in the third quarter on a 46-yard touchdown reception, was unable to come down with two big passes from Carr during the fourth quarter. The second play, which occurred on the Raiders' final offensive play from scrimmage, was nearly challenged for pass interference by Oakland head coach Jon Gruden. Gruden had already lost a challenge (on an offensive pass interference call on receiver Hunter Renfrow) earlier in the game. Renfrow enjoyed the best game of his brief career, catching four passes for 88 yards that included a 65-yard catch, but caught just one pass during the final 30 minutes of Sunday's game.
While the Raiders received Carr's best performance of the season to date (he went 18 for 30 for 285 yards and a season-high three touchdowns), Oakland's rushing attack and defense faded late in the game while allowing Watson and the Texans to come away with the victory.
Turning point
After falling behind 21-13, Houston's offense faced a second-and-18 from their own 43-yard line with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Completions of 15 and seven yards from Watson to Hopkins gave the Texans a vital first down on a drive that ended with Watson's first touchdown pass to Fells, which trimmed Houston's deficit to one point with 14:56 to play. While Oakland would respond with a field goal, Watson and the Texans' offense had established enough momentum that would result in their game-winning scoring drive.
Play of the game
Watson's game-winning throw to Fells, which occurred as Watson was falling to the ground, was one of the best plays of the day in any NFL game. The throw, which occurred as Watson was inadvertently kicked in the face by Arden Key, gave Houston the lead for good.
After forcing a punt, Houston's offense picked up two key first downs that allowed them to run out the clock.
Quotable
"This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal. Absolutely gutted that I won't be able to finish the season with my guys and give the fans what they deserve. I truly love this game and can't stand letting you guys down. Thank you for all of the thoughts & well-wishes." -- J.J. Watt via Twitter after Sunday's game. Watt will reportedly have an MRI to learn the full extent of his injury.
What's next
Oakland will host the Detroit Lions next Sunday. The Lions are 3-3-1 after defeating the New York Giants at home. Houston's next opponent will be the Jacksonville Jaguars, who improved to 4-4 on the season after defeating the visiting New York Jets on Sunday.
