2014 Houston Texans season

2014 Houston Texans season
Head coach Bill O'Brien
General manager Rick Smith
Owner Bob McNair
Home field NRG Stadium
Results
Record 9–7
Division place 2nd AFC South
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers

The 2014 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 13th season in the National Football League and the first under head coach Bill O'Brien. Despite missing the playoffs for the second season in a row, the Texans greatly improved upon their 2–14 record from 2013, finishing 9–7.

Offseason

Draft

Main article: 2014 NFL Draft
2014 Houston Texans draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 1 Jadeveon Clowney  DE South Carolina
2 33 Xavier Su'a-Filo  OG UCLA
3 65 C.J. Fiedorowicz  TE Iowa
3 85 Louis Nix  DT Notre Dame Pick from PHI
4 135 Tom Savage  QB Pittsburgh Compensatory
6 177 Jeoffrey Pagan  DE Alabama
6 181 Alfred Blue  RB LSU Pick from OAK
6 211 Jay Prosch  FB Auburn Compensatory
7 216 Andre Hal  CB Vanderbilt
7 256 Lonnie Ballentine  S Memphis Compensatory
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
Draft trades

Staff

2014 Houston Texans staff
Front office
  • Founder/Chairman/CEO – Bob McNair
  • Vice Chairman – D. Cal McNair
  • Executive Vice President/General Manager – Rick Smith
  • President – Jamey Rootes
  • Vice President of Football Administration – Chris Olsen
  • Senior Personnel Advisor – Bobby Grier
  • Director of College Scouting – Mike Maccagnan
  • Director of Football Research – Jim Bernhardt
  • Director of Pro Personnel – Brian Gaine
  • Assistant Director of Pro Personnel – Larry Wright

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Craig Fitzgerald
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Sean Hayes
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Anthony Pleasant

Final roster

2014 Houston Texans final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 12 Inactive, 10 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 9 at Arizona Cardinals L 0–32 0–1 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
2 August 16 Atlanta Falcons W 32–7 1–1 NRG Stadium Recap
3 August 23 at Denver Broncos W 18–17 2–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
4 August 28 San Francisco 49ers L 13–40 2–2 NRG Stadium Recap

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 7 Washington Redskins W 17–6 1–0 NRG Stadium Recap
2 September 14 at Oakland Raiders W 30–14 2–0 O.co Coliseum Recap
3 September 21 at New York Giants L 17–30 2–1 MetLife Stadium Recap
4 September 28 Buffalo Bills W 23–17 3–1 NRG Stadium Recap
5 October 5 at Dallas Cowboys L 17–20 (OT) 3–2 AT&T Stadium Recap
6 October 9 Indianapolis Colts L 28–33 3–3 NRG Stadium Recap
7 October 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 23–30 3–4 Heinz Field Recap
8 October 26 at Tennessee Titans W 30–16 4–4 LP Field Recap
9 November 2 Philadelphia Eagles L 21–31 4–5 NRG Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 16 at Cleveland Browns W 23–7 5–5 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
12 November 23 Cincinnati Bengals L 13–22 5–6 NRG Stadium Recap
13 November 30 Tennessee Titans W 45–21 6–6 NRG Stadium Recap
14 December 7 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 27–13 7–6 EverBank Field Recap
15 December 14 at Indianapolis Colts L 10–17 7–7 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
16 December 21 Baltimore Ravens W 25–13 8–7 NRG Stadium Recap
17 December 28 Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–17 9–7 NRG Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins

Week One: Washington Redskins at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 6 006
Texans 0 14 0317

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter

No scoring

Second quarter
Third quarter

No scoring

Fourth quarter
  • HOU – Randy Bullock 42-yard field goal, 02:00 (HOU 17–6)
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

After going 2-14 in the previous season, the Texans were looking to secure a win against the Redskins. Following a slow 1st quarter, Washington got on the board first with their only scoring play of the game in the 2nd quarter. D. Young rushed for 1 yard for a touchdown, but K. Forbath's extra point was blocked. With the score, Washington led 6-0 with 6:11 left in the 2nd. Houston quickly responded with a Fitzpatrick 76 yard pass to Hopkins; with the extra point from Bullock, the Texans lead 7-6 with 4:28 left in the 2nd. The Texans kicked the ball back to the Redskins and forced a 3 and out. On the ensuing punt, Blue blocked the kicked and recovered the ball to score a touchdown. With Bullock's extra point, Houston lead 14-6 with 2:15 left in the 2nd.

Washington received the ball for the 2nd half, but Griffin fumbled the ball at the Houston 14, with J.J. Watt recovering. Houston failed to capitalize on the turnover and punted the ball back to the Redskins. The Texans received the ball at the end of the 3rd quarter before letting the clock run out. With 13:19 left to play, Foster fumbled the ball at the Washington 8. Washington also couldn't capitalize on their turnover following numerous rushing plays that resulted in 4th and 17. After receiving the ball again, Houston "chewed up" a lot of clock starting at 8:27 left to play. Following the 2 minute warning, Bullock kicked a 42-yard field goal to extend the Texans' lead to 17-6. The Redskins failed to score on their next possession, giving Houston the ball back with 1:14 left.

Game notes

With the win, the Texans started their season 1–0 and snapped their franchise-worst 14-game losing streak. This was the first regular season game with Bill O'Brien as the Texans' head coach.

Week 2: at Oakland Raiders

Week Two: Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 14 3 10330
Raiders 0 0 01414

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • HOU - Randy Bullock 33 yard pass, 10:31 (HOU 17-0)
Third quarter
  • HOU - DeAndre Hopkins 12 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, Randy Bullock kick, 8:29 (HOU 24-0)
  • HOU - Randy Bullock 39 yard field goal, 3:14 (HOU 27-0)
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
  • HOU – Arian Foster 28 CAR, 138 YDS, 1 TD
  • OAK – Derek Carr 4 CAR, 58 YDS
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Texans received the ball first and started at their 20 following a touchback. Fitzpatrick connected to Foster for 41 yards for a touchdown. Following the official review, Foster was ruled out at the Oakland 1. On the following play Fitzpatrick connected with Watt (who was in as a tight end) for a touchdown, with Bullock's extra point good. The Texans scored first and lead the Raiders 7-0 with 9:41 left in the first. After the Raiders received the ball they were forced into a 3 and out, punting the ball back to Houston. The Texans managed to score on their next possession, eating up much of the clock in the process. With 0:05 left in the 1st, Houston lead Oakland 14-0.

The Raiders started the 2nd quarter with the ball following Houston's score late in the 1st. Oakland managed to get down to the Houston 31 before Carr's pass was intercepted by Jackson, who returned it for 65 yards to the Oakland 24. After an offensive holding penalty, the Texans were forced into a 2nd and 19, running for 4 yards for a 3rd and 15, before Fitzpatrick's pass fell short to Foster. On 4th and 15, Bullock kicked a 33-yard field goal to give the Texans a 17-0 lead with 10:34 left in the 2nd. The rest of the half went by quietly, with both teams failing to convert a 1st down. At the half, Houston was up 17-0.

Oakland received the ball to start the 2nd half, managing to get down to the Houston 38. Swearinger fumbled the ball (twice) before it was picked up by Joseph and returned for 49 yards to the Oakland 21. The Texans again capitalized on the turnover, this time getting a touchdown following a Fitzpatrick pass to Hopkins. Houston lead 24-0 with 8:34 left in the 3rd. After Oakland received the ball back they were hit with a 10-yard penalty, forcing a 2nd and 20. Oakland failed to get over the penalty, punting the ball on 4th and 14. Houston scored on yet another possession, with a 39-yard Bullock field goal, giving the Texans a 27-0 lead. After the Raiders got the ball back, the marched down the field to the Houston 39, before the end of the 3rd. With Oakland still yet to score, Houston lead 27-0.

Oakland's drive stayed alive after they converted on a 4th and 1. Another "saving grace" came after a defensive holding penalty for 10 yards gave the Raiders a 1st down. McFadden's 1 yard run finally put Oakland on the board, trailing 7-27 with 14:07 left to play. The Raiders kicked the ball back to the Texans, who ate up as much clock as possible with numerous running plays. Houston ended their drive with a 46-yard field goal from Bullock, giving them a 30-7 lead. On Oakland's next possession, Carr's pass was intercepted by Reed at the Oakland 15 and ran it to the 11. Going into a 4th and 8, Bullock attempted a 27-yard field goal, but it was blocked. Following the blocked kick, the Raiders started at their 17 before getting another touchdown to trail 14-30 with 0:14 left. Oakland attempted an onside kick, but went out of bounds, but two offsetting penalties gave the Raiders another chance. On the second attempt, the Texans recovered the ball to win the game 30-14.

Game notes

With the win, the Texans started a season 2–0 for the fifth year in a row and matched their win total from the 2013 season. This was the only game of the 2014 season where the Texans scored in the 1st quarter until week 7 against the Steelers.

Week 3: at New York Giants

Week Three: Houston Texans at New York Giants – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 0 0 10717
Giants 0 14 31330

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

First quarter

No scoring

Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • NYG - Josh Brown 29 yard field goal, 12:19 (NYG 20-10)
  • NYG - Daniel Fells 9 yard pass from Eli Manning, Josh Brown kick, 9:25 (NYG 27-10)
  • NYG - Josh Brown 31 yard field goal, 5:33 (NYG 30-10)
  • HOU - Ryan Fitzpatrick 1 yard run, Randy Bullock kick, 2:00 (HOU 17-30)
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • HOU – Brian Cushing 8 solo tackles, 9 assists
  • NYG – Jameel McClain 8 solo tackles, 3 assists, 0.5 sacks, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 QB hit

In what would become typical for the Texans' 2014 season, the offense was relatively quiet, not scoring at all in the first half. The Giants would lead 14-0 at the end of the half. The offensive problems for Houston would continue into the 2nd half, with a couple of turnovers that occurred. Unable to comeback, the Texans fell 17-30 to the Giants.

Game notes

Not only was the first game of the season Houston lost (2-1), but it was also the first game the New York Giants won (1-2).

Week 4: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Four: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 0 10 0717
Texans 0 7 10623

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter

No scoring

Second quarter
Third quarter
  • HOU - J. J. Watt 80 yard interception return, Randy Bullock kick, 13:28, (HOU 14-10)
  • HOU - Randy Bullock 41 yard field goal, 6:14 (HOU 17-10)
Fourth quarter
  • HOU - Randy Bullock 55 yard field goal, 9:21 (HOU 20-10)
  • BUF - Mike Williams 80 yard pass from E. J. Manuel, 9:08 (BUF 17-20)
  • HOU - Randy Bullock 50 yard field goal, 4:49 (HOU 23-17)
Top passers
Top rushers
  • BUF – C. J. Spiller 15 CAR, 60 YDS
  • HOU – Ryan Fitzpatrick 5 CAR, 14 YDS
Top receivers
Top tacklers

After the Bills took a lead of 10-0 in the 2nd quarter, the Texans scored 20 unanswered points to put them ahead 20-10. The Bills scored a touchdown to trail 17-20 in the 4th quarter. Houston later scored with a field goal from Bullock in the 4th before winning the game 23-17.

Game notes

This was the first time Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick faced his former team since being cut in 2013. With the win, the Texans went 3-1 and surpassed their win total from the previous season.

Week 5: at Dallas Cowboys

Week Five: Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Texans 0 0 710017
Cowboys 0 3 77320

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: October 5
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 91,159
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • No scoring plays
Second quarter
  • DAL 0:11 – Dan Bailey 33 yard field goal, DAL 3–0
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • DAL 9:44 – Dez Bryant 2 yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), DAL 17–7
  • HOU 2:27 – Randy Bullock 29 yard field foal, DAL 17–10
  • HOU 0:41 – Arian Foster 1 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), tied 17–17
Overtime
  • DAL 7:45 – Dan Bailey 49 yard field goal, DAL 20–17
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The only score of the first half came from a 33-yard Dan Bailey field goal with 0:16 left in the 2nd quarter.[1] Houston scored with 8:56 left in the 3rd on an Arian Foster 15 yard run, leading 7-3. Dallas answered back with a 43-yard pass from Romo to Williams for a touchdown. After both teams forced a 3 and out, Dallas scored again to lead 17-7 with 9:50 left in the 4th. Houston answered back with a 29-yard field goal from Bullock with 2:31 left to trail 10-17. Dallas was penalized for a delay of game following a Houston timeout which lead to 4th down and 16. Following the penalty, the Texans got the ball back before tying the game with 0:41 left in regulation. Following a timeout called by both teams, Bailey's 53 yard field goal was no good, sending the game into overtime.

Houston received the ball first, but was forced to punt the ball back from the Dallas 48. Dallas won the game following a Dan Bailey 49 yard field goal.

Game notes

In a historic game between the two Texas teams, both the Texans and Cowboys boasted a winning record (3-1) for the first time while meeting. With the win, Dallas leads the series 3-1. The only time the Texans beat the Cowboys was during the 2002 season, which was also the franchise's first win.

Week 6: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week Six: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 24 3 6033
Texans 0 14 7728

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • HOU 5:59 – Arian Foster 2 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), IND 27–21
  • IND 2:52 – T. Y. Hilton 33 yard pass from Andrew Luck, IND 33–21
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 10:36 – J. J. Watt 45 yard fumble return (Randy Bullock kick), IND 33–28
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Houston received the ball first, but punted the ball on 4th and 5 from their 25. After receiving the ball, the Colts ended their drive with a 27-yard field goal to lead 3-0 with 11:17 left in the 1st. In a surprise move, the Colts did an onside kick and recovered the ball on their 46. Luck threw a 54-yard pass for a touchdown, but the call was reversed as the runner was down. Luck threw another pass, this time for 49 yards, to get up to the Houston 5. Richardson rushed for a touchdown to give the Colts a 10-0 lead over the Texans. On their next 2 possessions, Houston was forced into a 3 and out, with Indianapolis scoring on their next possessions. Following a difficult 1st quarter, the Texans trailed 0-24.

The 2nd quarter seemed to hold more good fortunes for the Texans, as they got a 1st down following a penalty against the Colts on what would have been a field goal attempt. Houston finally scored with a touchdown to trail 7-24 with 9:48 left in the 2nd. Momentum for the Texans continued as Luck's pass was intercepted by Tuggle at the Indianapolis 34, taking it to the 26. Houston wasted no time before capitalizing on the turnover to score a touchdown with 8:28 left to trail 14-24. The Colts ate up the clock on their next possession, before kick a 34-yard field goal with 1:09 left to lead 27-14. Things seemed to turn against Houston again on their next possession as Fitzpatrick was sacked and they failed to complete 1st down conversion on 4th and 9 with 0:03 left in the 2nd. At halftime, the Texans were trailing 14-27.

The 3rd quarter started out quietly for both teams before Houston scored a touchdown with 6:03 left, to trail 21-27. The Colts scored on their next possession and failed on a two-point conversion to lead 33-21. With Houston trying to get ahead, they ended the 3rd quarter at the Indianapolis 24, trailing 21-33.

With 14:23 left to play, Bullock missed a 37-yard field goal that went wide right. After a Colts fumble, Watt returned it for 45 yards for a touchdown. Watt's fumble return helped keep hopes of a comeback alive for the Texans, as they now trailed 28-33. The Houston defense held off the Indianapolis offense, who were forced to punt the ball back. The Texans could not manage a comeback as they fumbled the ball on each of their next 2 possessions. The Texans fell to the Colts, 28-33, dropped to 2nd place in the AFC South and dropped to 3-3.

Game notes

The 24 point deficit at the end of the 1st quarter is one of the largest in Texans history. This is the fourth time in a row that the Colts have won against the Texans.

Week 7: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Seven: Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 7 6 01023
Steelers 0 24 0630

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • HOU 13:34 – Randy Bullock 39 yard field goal, HOU 10–0
  • HOU 7:16 – Randy Bullock 38 yard field goal, HOU 13–0
  • PIT 3:08 – Shaun Suisham 44 yard field foal, HOU 13–3
  • PIT 1:27 – Martavis Bryant 35 yard pass from Ben Rothlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), HOU 13–10
  • PIT 1:03 – Lance Moore 3 yard pass from Antonio Brown (Shaun Suisham kick), PIT 17–13
  • PIT 0:14 – Le'Veon Bell 2 yard pass from Ben Rothlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), PIT 24–13
Third quarter
  • No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 11:47 – Randy Bullock 31 yard field goal, PIT 24–16
  • PIT 5:50 – Shaun Suisham 30 yard field goal, PIT 27–16
  • PIT 3:04 – Shaun Suisham 40 yard field goal, PIT 30–16
  • HOU 1:31 – Arian Foster 1 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Randy Bullock kick), PIT 30–23
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • HOU – Mike Mohamed 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 tackle for loss
  • PIT – Lawrence Timmons 11 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit

While the Texans defense held off the Steelers' offense, the offense managed to gain much-needed momentum in the 1st quarter, a place they had previously struggled. The Texans scored first with 5:55 left after Blue caught a pass from Fitzpatrick to lead 7-0. In the second quarter Roethlisberger was sacked by Watt and fumbled the ball near midfield. Houston capitalized on the turnover with a Bullock 39 yard field goal to lead 10-0 with 13:39 left in the 2nd. Houston continued their trend of scoring on each possession with another Bullock field goal (38 yards) to extend their lead to 13-0 with 7:20 left; part of the same drive included the Texans converting on a 4th down and inches. The Steelers finally managed to get on the board with a 44-yard field goal from Suisham to trail 3-13 with 3:13 left. After forcing a 3 and out for the Texans, the Steelers struck back with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Roerhlisberger to Bryant to trail 10-13 with 1:27 left. After a Houston fumble at their 4-yard line, Pittsburgh took their first lead of the night to lead 17-13 with 1:03 remaining. Steelers scored again off of a Texans turnover after a Fitzpatrick pass was deflected to extend their lead with 0:14 left in the half. Following a series of Houston turnovers in arguably the worst-played three minutes in NFL history, Pittsburgh lead 24-13 at the half.

Game notes

This was the first game since week 2 against the Raiders that the Texans scored in the 1st quarter. However, with their 3rd straight loss, the Texans fell to 3-4.

Week 8: at Tennessee Titans

Week Eight: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 0 13 14330
Titans 3 0 6716

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

Game information

First quarter
  • TEN 10:23 – Ryan Succop 35 yard field goal, TEN 3–0
Second quarter
  • HOU 7:36 – Randy Bullock 30 yard field goal, tied 3–3
  • HOU 6:00 – Arian Foster 34 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 10–3
  • HOU 0:19 – Randy Bullock 29 yard field goal, HOU 13–3
Third quarter
  • HOU 12:35 – Arian Foster 5 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 20–3
  • HOU 5:42 – Arian Foster 1 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 27–3
  • TEN 2:12 – Delanie Walker 6 yard pass from Zach Mettenberger, HOU 27–9
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 14:12 – Randy Bullock 49 yard field goal, HOU 30–9
  • TEN 0:56 – Justin Hunter 12 yard pass from Zach Mettenberger (Ryan Succop kick), HOU 30–16
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • HOU – Mike Mohamed 8 solo tackles, 2 assists
  • TEN – Avery Williamson 8 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass deflected, 1 QB hit

In yet another game where Houston did not score in the 1st quarter, the Titans took an early lead with a 35-yard field goal from Brinkley to lead 3-0 with 10:28 left. The Texans got their first scoring play of the day with a Bullock 30 yard field goal to tie the game 3-3 with 7:41 left in the 2nd. Following a three-and-out for Tennessee with 2 penalties (one on the punt), Houston wasted no time to score the game's first touchdown following a 34-yard rush from Foster to lead 10-3 with 6:12 left in the half. Bullock kicked a 29-yard field goal to extend the Texans' lead to 13-3 going into halftime.

The Titans received the ball to start off the 2nd half, but Mettenberger was sacked and fumbled the ball and was recovered by Watt. Houston quickly capitalized on the turnover with a 5-yard pass from Fitzpatrick to Foster to lead 20-3 with 12:39 left in the 3rd. The Texans scored on their next possession to lead 27-3 with 5:47 left in the 3rd. The Titans scored their first touchdown of the game on their next possession with a 6-yard pass from Mettenberger to Walker. With a failed two-point conversion, Tennessee trailed 9-27 with 2:17 left in the third. On the Houston's 3rd play of the 4th quarter, Bullock kicked a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 30-9 with 14:17 left to play. The Titans scored a touchdown with 1:02 left to trail 30-16. Blue recovered the onside kick, with Fitzpatrick taking a kneel on the next 2 plays to end the game.

Game notes

With the win, the Texans went to 4-4, snapped their three-game losing streak and held onto 2nd place in the AFC South.

Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Battle Red Day
Week Nine: Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 7 10 7731
Texans 7 7 0721

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: November 2
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 71,780
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • PHI 2:40 – Chris Polk 8 yard run (Cody Parkey kick), PHI 24–14
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 11:51 – DeAndre Hopkins 7 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Randy Bullock kick), PHI 24–21
  • PHI 3:50 – Jeremy Maclin 8 yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), PHI 31–21
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • PHI – Mychal Kendricks 5 solo tackles, 7 assists, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 2 QB hits
  • HOU – Whitney Mercilus 5 solo tackles, 4 assists, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits

This would be the first time since 2003 that the Texans would wear their Battle Red uniforms against an NFC team. After falling to the Eagles, the Texans entered their bye 4-5. It was later announced that starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick would be benched in favor of Ryan Mallet.

Week 11: at Cleveland Browns

Week Eleven: Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 7 7 3623
Browns 0 7 007

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 34 °F (1 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 67,431
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • HOU 5:16 – Randy Bullock 46 yard field goal, HOU 17–7
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 9:47 – Randy Bullock 37 yard field goal, HOU 20–7
  • HOU 2:47 – Randy Bullock 50 yard field goal, HOU 23–7
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • HOU – A. J. Bouye 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 pass deflected
  • CLE – Joe Haden 10 solo tackles, 3 assists, 1 pass deflected

Coming off of their bye week, the Texans faced the Cleveland Browns on the road in Ryan Mallet's first career start. Mallet passed for his first career touchdown to J.J. Watt to give the Texans an early 7-0 lead. Cleveland scored in the 2nd quarter to tie the game 7-7, which would be their only score of the entire game. Houston scored the last touchdown of the game after Mallet connected with Garrett Graham to lead 14-7 going into halftime. The Texans' defense completely shutout the Browns during the second half, while Houston's only scores came from 3 Randy Bullock field goals.

Following the win, the Texans went to 5-5 and started 1-0 under Mallet.

Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Twelve: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 2 7622
Texans 0 3 10013

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C), sunny (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 71,777
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • CIN 11:48 – Jeremy Hill 2 yard run (Mike Nugent kick), CIN 16–3
  • HOU 7:19 – Johnathan Joseph 60 yard interception return (Randy Bullock kick), CIN 16–10
  • HOU 1:48 – Randy Bullock 25 yard field goal, CIN 16–13
Fourth quarter
  • CIN 8:48 – Mike Nugent 31 yard field goal, CIN 19–13
  • CIN 1:55 – Mike Nugent 49 yard field goal, CIN 22–13
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the loss, the Texans fell to 5-6.

Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Thirteen: Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 0 14721
Texans 14 10 71445

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • HOU 3:25 – Randy Bullock 37 yard field goal, HOU 17–0
  • HOU 0:38 – DeAndre Hopkins 58 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 24–0
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 11:05 – Andre Johnson 4 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 38–14
  • HOU 8:56 – J. J. Watt 1 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 45–14
  • TEN 1:06 – Nate Washington 25 yard pass from Jake Locker (Ryan Succop kick), HOU 45–21
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Following Ryan Mallet's injury the previous week against the Bengals, Ryan Fitzpatrick started for the first time since week 9 against the Eagles. Fitzpatrick had a career day, throwing for 6 touchdown passes to five different receivers in the Texans' 45-21 win, a franchise record.

Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Fourteen: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 3 7 71027
Jaguars 7 6 0013

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • HOU 11:45 – Ryan Fitzpatrick 4 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 10–7
  • JAX 5:53 – Josh Scobee 33 yard field goal, tied 10–10
  • JAX 1:09 – Josh Scobee 37 yard field goal, JAX 13–10
Third quarter
  • HOU 3:23 – Alfred Blue 1 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 17–13
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 14:23 – Arian Foster 1 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 24–13
  • HOU 8:39 – Randy Bullock 44 yard field goal, HOU 27–13
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win, the Texans improved to 7-6.

Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Fifteen: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 7 0 0310
Colts 0 14 0317

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,148
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon and Lauren Gardner
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • No scoring plays
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 13:40 – Randy Bullock 53 yard field goal, IND 14–10
  • IND 2:11 – Adam Vinatieri 29 yard field goal, IND 17–10
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Texans came into Lucas Oil looking to make history by beating the Colts for the first time on their home field. The Texans scored first after K. Lewis intercepted a pass to return it 27 yards for a touchdown. The Colts scored 14 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter to give them a halftime lead of 14-7. Ryan Fitzpatrick was injured in the 3rd quarter, with 3rd string quarterback Tom Savage stepping in for what would be his first NFL game. Early in the 4th, the Texans would go for it on 4th and 1, with Foster running 25 yards for a touchdown. However, the play was called back following an offensive holding penalty. Bullock would kick a 53-yard field goal instead to trail 10-14 with 13:45 left to play. The Colts lead 17-10 with 2:15 left to play following a 29-yard field goal. Houston tried to make a comeback, but Savage's pass was intercepted with 1:34 left. Following the loss, the Texans dropped to 7-7 and the Colts clinched the AFC South title.

Week 16: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Sixteen: Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 0 7613
Texans 3 13 3625

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 71,771
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker and Lewis Johnson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • HOU 14:57 – Randy Bullock 25 yard field goal, HOU 6–0
  • HOU 3:54 – Randy Bullock 30 yard field goal, HOU 9–0
  • HOU 1:53 - C. J. Fiedorowicz 5 yard pass from Arian Foster (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 16–0
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • HOU 14:50 – Randy Bullock 39 yard field goal, HOU 22–7
  • HOU 9:55 - Randy Bullock 33 yard field goal, HOU 25–7
  • BAL 5:56 – Torrey Smith 20 yard pass from Joe Flacco, HOU 25–13
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • BAL – Daryl Smith 5 solo tackles, 6 assists, 1 pass deflected
  • HOU – J. J. Watt 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 3 tackles for a loss, 4 QB hits

With their loss against the Colts mathematically eliminating the Texans from the AFC South title, the Texans returned home in hopes of securing a wild card spot in the playoffs. In his first career start since the 2013 season, Case Keenum started as the team's 4th quarterback of the season. Despite driving into the redzone on their first possession, the Texans instead settled on a field goal for an early 3-0 lead. Houston kicked two more field goals before scoring a touchdown (thrown by Arian Foster) to take a halftime lead of 16-0. The Texans held on to win 25-13, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Game notes

Andre Johnson had six receptions for 65 yards in the game and became the 10th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions (1,002). Johnson passed Hines Ward for ninth-most in NFL history. Kicker Randy Bullock was 6/6 on field goals during the game, for a total of 19 points.

Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Seventeen: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 10 0 7017
Texans 7 7 0923

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • HOU 6:34 – Alfred Blue 1 yard run (Randy Bullock kick), HOU 14–10
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
  • JAX – Blake Bortles 3 carries, 61 yards
  • HOU – Jonathan Grimes 11 carries, 45 yards
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • JAX – Telvin Smith 11 solo tackles, 5 assists
  • HOU – J. J. Watt 6 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits

Notably, J.J. Watt becomes the first NFL player to have 2 20-sack seasons, sacking Blake Bortles in the end zone for his first career safety. With the win, despite being eliminated from the playoffs with the Ravens win over the Browns, the Texans finished the season with the largest win increase of 2014 (+7), with a record of 9-7.

Standings

Division

AFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Indianapolis Colts 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 458 369 W1
Houston Texans 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 372 307 W2
Jacksonville Jaguars 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 249 412 L1
Tennessee Titans 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 254 438 L10

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA PD STK
Division leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 468 313 155 L1
2[lower-alpha 1] Denver Broncos West 12 4 0 .750 6–0 10–2 482 354 128 W1
3[lower-alpha 2] Pittsburgh Steelers North 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 436 368 68 W4
4[lower-alpha 2] Indianapolis Colts South 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 458 369 89 W1
Wild Cards
5 Cincinnati Bengals North 10 5 1 .656 3–3 7–5 365 344 21 L1
6 Baltimore Ravens North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 6–6 409 302 107 W1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7[lower-alpha 3] Houston Texans South 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 372 307 65 W2
8[lower-alpha 3] Kansas City Chiefs West 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 353 281 72 W1
9[lower-alpha 3] San Diego Chargers West 9 7 0 .563 2–4 6–6 348 348 0 L1
10[lower-alpha 3] Buffalo Bills East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 5–7 343 289 54 W1
11 Miami Dolphins East 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 388 373 15 L1
12 Cleveland Browns North 7 9 0 .438 2–4 4–8 299 337 –38 L5
13 New York Jets East 4 12 0 .250 1–5 4–8 283 401 –118 W1
14[lower-alpha 4] Jacksonville Jaguars South 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 249 412 –163 L1
15[lower-alpha 4] Oakland Raiders West 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 253 452 –199 L1
16 Tennessee Titans South 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 254 438 –184 L10
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 5]
  1. 1 2 New England defeated Denver head-to-head (Week 9, 43–21).
  2. 1 2 Pittsburgh defeated Indianapolis head-to-head (Week 8, 51–34).
  3. 1 2 3 4 Kansas City finished ahead of San Diego in the AFC West based on head-to-head sweep (Week 7, 23–20; Week 17, 19–7).
    Houston finished ahead of Kansas City and Buffalo based on conference record.
    Kansas City finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory (Week 10, 17–13).
    San Diego finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory (Week 3, 22–10).
  4. 1 2 Jacksonville finished ahead of Oakland based on record vs. common opponents (1–4 to 0–5).
  5. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

References

  1. ↑ "Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys - Play by Play - October 5, 2014 - 2nd Quarter". ESPN. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  2. ↑ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  3. ↑ "2014 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2014.

External links

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