On Monday Night Football, the Seattle Seahawks put on a dominant performance at home, securing a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans. The win improved Seattle’s record to 5-2 on the season, while the Texans dropped to 2-4 following their bye week. The game featured strong offensive starts, key defensive plays, and some pivotal moments that ultimately swung the momentum firmly in Seattle’s favor.
From the opening moments, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and his offense looked sharp and efficient. Seattle struck early, scoring two touchdowns within their first three drives. Running back Zach Charbonnet and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba both found the end zone, continuing their impressive seasons. Smith-Njigba, in particular, stood out with another stellar performance, recording eight receptions for 123 yards along with his touchdown catch. His ability to consistently gain yardage and convert in critical moments has made him a reliable weapon for the Seahawks this season.
On the other side of the ball, the Houston Texans struggled to generate any offensive momentum, especially early on. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense were stifled by a relentless Seahawks defense, which forced the Texans to punt on each of their first four possessions. Notably, none of those drives lasted longer than five plays, underscoring the dominant defensive pressure Seattle applied. Despite the Texans’ offensive woes, they managed to keep the game within reach by converting two field goals before halftime, bringing the score to 14-6.
In the second half, the game took a dramatic turn when disaster struck Seattle. Darnold was strip-sacked by Houston’s defensive star Will Anderson Jr. right in the end zone, resulting in a touchdown recovery for the Texans. Although the Texans failed to convert the two-point try, the score tightened to 17-12, giving Houston hope that they could mount a comeback. However, Seattle quickly regained control as Darnold led the team to a field goal in the third quarter, extending their lead.
A crucial moment came when the Texans went for it on a fourth down from their own 41-yard line but failed to convert. Taking over in excellent field position, Darnold immediately flipped the field with a 19-yard pass to Smith-Njigba, moving the Seahawks deep into Houston territory. Shortly thereafter, Charbonnet scored his second touchdown of the night on a short run, pushing Seattle’s lead to 27-12 and putting the game largely out of reach.
Despite falling behind, the Texans’ defense continued to fight hard. They forced four turnovers in total, including an interception by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., which showed their resilience. Even when Houston managed to get as close as Seattle’s 3-yard line late in the game, the Seahawks’ defense remained impenetrable, denying the Texans a crucial touchdown that could have changed the game's complexion.
Eventually, Stroud was able to engineer a red zone scoring drive, connecting with running back Woody Marks for a touchdown to narrow the gap to 27-19. However, time was not on Houston’s side, and Seattle’s defense held firm in the closing moments to secure the victory.
In addition to Smith-Njigba and Charbonnet’s standout performances, running back Kenneth Walker III contributed solidly on his birthday, rushing for 66 yards on 17 carries. The Seahawks’ balanced offensive attack and stifling defense were key factors in controlling the game from start to finish.
For the Texans, the absence of wide receiver Nico Collins after an early head injury was a blow. Collins finished with just four receptions for 27 yards on 10 targets before leaving the game. Tight end Dalton Schultz stepped up to fill the void, hauling in nine catches for 98 yards, providing a much-needed outlet for Stroud throughout the contest.
Overall, the Seahawks’ ability to execute on offense, combined with a suffocating defense that pressured Houston’s quarterback and forced turnovers, proved to be the difference. Seattle’s victory on Monday Night Football reinforced their status as a strong contender this season, while the Texans will look to regroup and find answers after a tough loss at home.
The game not only highlighted individual talents like Smith-Njigba and Charbonnet but also showcased the Seahawks’ well-rounded team effort. Their defensive resilience, especially in critical moments, underscored why they have been successful through their first seven games.
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