C.J. Stroud’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter was the difference between another loss against an inferior opponent in the AFC South and a victory before the bye.
Joe Mixon’s last run was the icing on the cake.
The Houston Texans avoided a scare at EverBank Stadium as they advanced to 8-5 in a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With the loss, the Jaguars have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
The victory for Houston marked its second win in five weeks, entering Week 14’s bye. It also helped the AFC South leaders improve to 4-1 in the division, which could help them clinch the title when they return in Week 15.
Trevor Lawrence was hit late while trying to slide, which led to exchanges between Jags and Texans players. pic.twitter.com/34jwjiDLcN
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 1, 2024
Tempers flared just before halftime when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he tried to slide for a first down.
Tight end Evan Engram and several teammates attacked Al-Shaair, whose potential cheap shot could result in a suspension. Both benches cleared as a brawl ensued on the field for several minutes.
Lawrence, who missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury, was carted off and evaluated for a head injury. Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were both ejected for their roles in the fight after the hit.
Mac Jones replaced Lawrence and made things interesting in the fourth quarter down three scores. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes and rallied the team back to come within three.
THAT’S A CLEAN SWEEP 🧹 pic.twitter.com/mk1qDMiSuy
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 1, 2024
Stroud, who struggled in last week’s loss to the Titans with a pair of interceptions, completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards. Eleven pass attempts went to Nico Collins, who finished with a team-high 115 yards on eight catches.
Mixon’s 101-yard rushing performance marks the third time a running back has rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in six road games during the same season. He joins Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) to accomplish the feat.
The breakout running back averaged 5.1 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Injuries
Texans safety Jimmie Ward was evaluated for a concussion but cleared to return. Schultz also injured his right shoulder in the third but returned for the fourth to secure what would be the game-winning touchdown.
What’s next?
The Texans get a much-needed bye week when they return home. After that, they’ll play three games against potential AFC playoff contenders in a 15-day span beginning on Dec. 15 at NRG Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.
