Randy Bullock kicked a game-winning 41-yard field goal to complete the Houston Texans' 21-point comeback and beat the San Diego Chargers, 31-28, on Monday night.
Texans vs. Chargers 2013 final score: Houston comes back from 21 down to stun San Diego
San Diego appeared on its way to a win before Houston scored 24 unanswered points to pull off the comeback victory.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA
The Texans scored the final 24 points of the game, erasing a deficit that grew to three touchdowns when Philip Rivers connected with Eddie Royal less than five minutes into the third quarter. Houston capped the comeback with a 36-yard drive over the final 3:53 of the game to put Bullock in position for the game-winning kick. Bullock’s winning kick was the first made field goal of his career.
The game couldn't have started much better for the Chargers. San Diego intercepted Matt Schaub's first pass of the game and then scored a touchdown on its first offensive play when Rivers hit Ryan Mathews for the 14-yard touchdown. The Chargers continued to roll through the first half, with Rivers throwing two more touchdowns. The Chargers were up 21-7 at halftime.
With a 28-7 lead 4:18 into the third quarter, San Diego appeared to be well on its way to a season-opening victory. The Texans weren't having it, however, and Houston scored 21 straight points to tie it. The comeback began when Schaub hit Garrett Graham for a 7-yard score. San Diego stopped Houston on a key third down early in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers were flagged for a penalty on the field-goal attempt. Houston took advantage and Owen Daniels found the end zone on the next play.
The Houston defense aided in the comeback with Brian Cushing intercepting Rivers and returning it 18 yards for the tying touchdown with 9:30 remaining in the game. The touchdown was the first of Cushing's NFL career and came in his first game returning from a serious knee injury.
San Diego had a chance to take the lead back, but Houston’s defense forced a punt, setting up the game-winning drive. The Texans did not allow a first down on San Diego’s final five offensive possessions.
Fantasy studs and duds:
Houston’s passing game keyed the comeback with Schaub, Johnson and Daniels having big days. Schaub threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns while Johnson finished with 146 receiving yards and Daniels caught five passes for 67 yards.
With the ball in the air most of the night, Arian Foster didn't do much on the ground. He ran for 57 yards and no touchdowns. He did catch six passes for 33 yards. Mathews gained just 33 yards on the ground, but caught two passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.
Injury report:
Both teams were able to avoid serious injuries. Cushing left the game late in the fourth quarter, but appeared to be suffering from leg cramps.
Did they cover?
Houston was a 2-1/2-point favorite according to Odds Shark. It looked like they had no shot to cover early in the game, but the game winning field goal got them the win and covered the spread.
What’s next?
San Diego @ Philadelphia, Sunday Sept. 15, 1 p.m. ET
Houston vs. Tennessee, Sunday Sept. 15, 1 p.m. ET
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