If the Houston Texans are going to repeat as AFC South champions, they will have dig out of an 0-2 hole.
They dropped the home opener 20-19 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. The Bucs were able to capitalize on a late game-winning drive with a short touchdown run by Rachaad White. It capped a methodical, 11-play 80-yard drive in just over two minutes.
Up until then, it seemed like the Texans could be on the winning side for the first time this season. Nick Chubb had just run 25 yards for a score to put Houston ahead 19-14.
But there was too much time on the clock and not a stout enough defensive effort from Houston to win the game in the end.
The Texans struck first in this game, clearly making Nico Collins an emphasis after he only saw five targets in the season opening loss at the Los Angeles Rams. He caught a 29-yard touchdown to start the game, which was followed by a Tampa touchdown drive.
Ka'imi Fairbain kicked a 35-yard field goal to give the Texans a new lead, which was erased by 15-yard touchdown from Baker Mayfield to rookie Emeka Egbuka. Another Fairbairn field goal cut the Tampa lead to 14-13 until Chubb's go-ahead score. The Texans failed on their two-point attempt.
Houston heads back on the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) next week.