Monday Night Football Season 44 Episode 6 Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers
- September 9, 2013
In Monday Night Football season 44 episode 6, the Houston Texans traveled to San Diego to take on the Chargers at picturesque Qualcomm Stadium. The Texans were coming off a tough home loss to the New York Giants, while the Chargers had won two straight to improve their record to 2-2.
The Texans got off to a fast start, scoring on their opening possession with a 12-yard touchdown run by veteran running back Lamar Miller. The Chargers responded with a touchdown of their own on a 4-yard pass from quarterback Philip Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates. The first quarter ended with the score tied at 7.
In the second quarter, the Texans took control of the game with a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Deshaun Watson. The first was a 20-yard strike to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and the second was a 1-yard toss to tight end Ryan Griffin. The Chargers added a field goal before halftime, but the Texans led 21-10 at the break.
The Chargers fought back in the second half, with Rivers connecting on a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Keenan Allen early in the third quarter. However, the Texans answered with another touchdown pass from Watson to Hopkins, this time from 38 yards out.
The Chargers' defense held the Texans to just a field goal in the fourth quarter, but the offense was unable to mount a comeback. Rivers threw two interceptions in the final period, and the Texans held on for a 31-20 victory.
Watson was the star of the game for the Texans, completing 25 of 34 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Hopkins was his top target, hauling in nine passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Miller rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Rivers finished the game 31 of 46 for 318 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions proved costly. Gates led the Chargers in receiving with six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.
The win improved the Texans' record to 2-3, while the Chargers fell to 2-3. The Texans would go on to finish the season 11-5 and win the AFC South, while the Chargers would finish 9-7 and miss the playoffs.
Overall, Monday Night Football season 44 episode 6 was a thrilling matchup between two talented teams, with Watson and Hopkins leading the way for the Texans. The Chargers put up a good fight, but were ultimately unable to overcome their mistakes and the Texans' dynamic offense.
