Texans’ Line Falters in 14–9 Loss to Rams

Chubb solid in debut, but Houston offense settles for field goals as late turnover proves costly

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Houston Texans opened with a 14–9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, undone by an offensive line that never settled and a run game that produced fits and starts despite a steady debut from Nick Chubb.

Chubb, signed in June after parting ways with Cleveland, gave Houston its lone offensive spark. He carried 13 times for 60 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt, and added a short reception. But while Chubb churned out yards, the blocking in front of him wavered.

The Texans finished with 114 rushing yards on 27 attempts, but 32 of those came on quarterback C.J. Stroud scrambles. Excluding the quarterback runs, Houston’s backs combined for just 82 yards on 22 carries.

That lack of consistency showed up when it mattered most. Houston converted only 2 of 9 third downs and came up empty on its lone red-zone chance. The Texans settled for three Ka’imi Fairbairn field goals, including a 53-yarder, while the Rams turned both of their red-zone trips into touchdowns.

Pass protection wasn’t much better. Stroud was sacked three times, intercepted once and hit repeatedly as Los Angeles dictated tempo. Penalties piled up — 11 for 80 yards — leaving Houston behind the chains and erasing any rhythm.

Injuries compounded the issues. Right guard Ed Ingram was a late scratch with an abdomen injury, and center Jake Andrews exited in the second half with an ankle problem. The line shuffled but never stabilized, leaving gaps in communication and allowing the Rams’ front to collapse both inside zone and outside runs.

Even so, the Texans had a chance late. Down five with under two minutes remaining, they moved into Rams territory. But Dare Ogunbowale fumbled when linebacker Nate Landman punched the ball loose, and defensive lineman Braden Fiske recovered. Stafford sealed the win with a third-down completion to Puka Nacua.

Houston’s defense kept the game within reach, but the offense never cracked. Chubb’s efficiency offered hope, yet the bigger picture remained: too many neutral runs, too many long-yardage situations and no finishing power inside the 20. Until the offensive line establishes cohesion, the Texans will struggle to turn steady efforts into scoring drives.

Texans vs. Rams — By the Numbers

Final Score: Rams 14, Texans 9

Team Stats (Houston)

• Total Net Yards: 265
• Rushing Yards: 114 on 27 carries (4.2 avg)
• Passing Yards: 188 (19-of-27)
• Third Down: 2 of 9
• Red Zone: 0 of 1
• Sacks Allowed: 3 for 37 yards
• Turnovers: 2 (1 INT, 1 fumble lost)
• Penalties: 11 for 80 yards

Individual Leaders (Houston)

• Rushing: Nick Chubb — 13 carries, 60 yards (4.6 avg)
• Passing: C.J. Stroud — 19-of-27, 188 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
• Receiving: Jayden Higgins — 2 catches, 32 yards (team-high)