Houston, TX – In a bright‑sunny Sunday at SoFi Stadium, the Houston Texans turned a sluggish start to the season into a statement win, routing the Los Angeles Chargers 44-22. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was the centerpiece, delivering five touchdown passes, including two season‑long 63‑yard strikes to wide receivers Tank Dell and Kayshon Boutte.
Stroud’s breakout performance
Stroud completed 21 of 35 attempts for 384 yards, one interception and one sack. His long‑range connection with Dell and Boutte highlighted the Texans’ explosive passing attack, and his efficiency helped Houston climb to a 3‑5 record after beginning the year 0‑4.
Texans seize early momentum
The Texans opened the scoring on their first drive, with Stroud finding Xavier Hutchinson for a 17‑yard touchdown following a Chargers face‑mask penalty. After a brief Chargers field‑goal response, Houston answered with a quick two‑play, 43‑second drive that saw Dell catch his first touchdown in over two years, extending the lead to 17‑9.
Second half dominance
Before halftime, Boutte secured his first touchdown of the season on a 12‑yard pass, capping a seven‑play, 76‑yard drive that pushed the score to 24‑9. The Texans continued to pound the Chargers in the fourth quarter, with Stroud delivering a 63‑yard strike to Boutte for his fifth touchdown of the night.
Chargers struggle to find rhythm
Los Angeles finally broke a 37‑drive touchdown drought – the second‑longest in NFL history – when Quentin Johnston caught a 58‑yard scoring pass from Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. It was the Chargers’ first touchdown since Oct. 11 against Denver. Herbert, who wore a large white glove to protect a taped finger, was later replaced by DJ Uiagalelei, who threw his first career touchdown, a 15‑yard pass to Derius Davis.
Despite a season‑best 52‑yard field goal from Cameron Dicker, the Chargers could only muster 22 points, the second‑most they have scored in a game this season. Herbert finished 13‑of‑23 for 193 yards, an interception and a career‑high eight sacks, bringing his season total to 31 sacks, the second‑most in the league.
Injuries and notable moments
Both teams dealt with injuries. Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. left the game late due to a leg issue, while Chargers cornerback Isas Waxter (ankle) exited early and did not return. Defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (ankle) was hurt but returned later, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey was inactive because of back spasms.
Looking ahead
Houston’s next challenge is a road game against the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, while the Chargers will travel to Baltimore to face a team led by former Bolts defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
The victory not only snapped the Chargers’ 11‑game losing streak – a franchise record tied from the 2000 season – but also demonstrated the Texans’ growing confidence under a young quarterback who is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Texas.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
