Texans defeat Jets to maintain perfect run

EAST RUTHERFORD - Reuters

The Houston Texans maintained their perfect start to the NFL season with a 23-17 win over the struggling New York Jets on Oct. 8.

The Texans joined the Atlanta Falcons as the only teams to win their first five games of the campaign, while handing the injury-plagued Jets their third loss of the season.

The visitors scored two touchdowns, the first by tight end Owen Daniels on the opening drive of the game after a 34 yard pass from quarterback Matt Schaub, who completed 14-of-28 for 209 yards.

Their other touchdown came early in the second quarter when running back Arian Foster strolled 13 yards to score. Foster rushed for 152 yards in the game, including an even 100 in the first half as the Texans threatened to run riot.

The Texans scored 13 unanswered points and led 20-7 early in the second half when Shayne Graham kicked the second of his three field goals before the Jets threatened to mount a comeback.

“It looks like we’re a little snake-bitten with injuries but that’s no excuse,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “(Houston) is a good team and they made more plays than we did.”

Thrashed 34-0 by the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Jets ensured there would not be another shutout when tight end Jeff Cumberland scored a first quarter touchdown.