STOOTS ON TEXANS

11 observations from Texans' 31-3 loss to Jaguars

Houston Texans fan stays late after the Texans' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013
The Jaguars hammered the Texans on Sunday. Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images.
Texans fans in full-on panic mode after just one loss

The Houston Texans finished the home slate of their schedule with a loss falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-3. Here are 11 observations from the game.

1. It is the first time in franchise history the Texans have failed to win a home game. The Texans didn’t lose all eight, but they lost seven straight after opening the season with a tie against the Colts

2. This is the largest losing margin this season for the Texans. The last time Houston lost by this much was last season against the Colts. It came on the heels of three of the best weeks of play from Lovie Smith’s team.

3. The defense was horrid again, reverting to their early season form. The tackling was poor and the rush defense against the Jacksonville starters left a lot to be desired.

4. Jalen Pitre and Desmond King each had interceptions, but each had a hand in part of a horrible display of tackling on a 62-yard touchdown scamper from Travis Etienne. King just pushed him while Pitre failed to finish the play. There were plenty of poor tackling displays but this one stood out.

5. Jalen Pitre will end up as a bright spot. He will have played a ton and has solidified himself as something positive heading into next season. There were plenty of ups from his season to offset the downs.

6. This is one of the worst offenses in franchise history. The talent is lacking at skill positions, but the plays called for the players are bad too. The team ran a fade to Rex Burkhead on fourth down. Next year, it will be an offense that needs some reshaping with a different offensive mind.

7. The Texans should thank their lucky stars the Jaguars drafted Travon Walker. He’s been terrible compared to a number of other players selected in the first round. Walker amassed just one QB hit in the game. That’s all. Meanwhile, the number two overall pick Aidan Hutchinson has as many interceptions as Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley combined to go along with his seven-and-a-half sacks.

8. The loss secures a top-two selection for the Texans.

9. The Chicago Bears are the only team who can earn the top pick other than the Texans. A win by the Bears secures the top choice for the Texans. A loss next week in Indianapolis secures the top pick for the Texans. A win by the Texans and a loss by the Bears lands Chicago the top spot.

10. Lovie Smith said if he was a betting man he would bet the Texans show up against the Colts next week. The Colts are spiraling out of control, having been demolished by the New York Giants on Sunday.

11. Lovie Smith’s job is in jeopardy and if I was making a call as you read this, I would believe he is fired and the Texans have their third head coach search under general manager Nick Caserio.

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Luv ya Blue running wild. Photo courtesy of Houston Athletics.

University of Houston Athletics are in a “Luv ya blue” mood and they don’t care who knows it — not even the NFL.

The university has announced that its football and volleyball teams will wear new Houston Blue jerseys, reminiscent of the classic colors of the Houston Oilers era. The volleyball team's uniform will debut theirs starting November 9 against Texas Tech, while the football team will debut theirs against Baylor on November 23. At the latter event, the first 20,000 fans will receive commemorative Houston Blue rally towels.

The resemblance of the new colors to the Oilers brand was not lost on the NFL. When UH Athletics started incorporating Houston Blue into their uniforms in September 2023, the NFL sent a cease-and-desist letter claiming the uniforms were an attempt to leech off the legacy of the Oilers and the intellectual property of the team now known as the Tennessee Titans. As if to prove the point, the Titans have occasionally worn Columbia blue throwback uniforms at certain games.

UH is unbothered according to vice president for intercollegiate athletics Eddie Nuñez.

“As a university deeply connected to the fabric of Houston, incorporating ‘Houston Blue’ into our uniforms is a powerful way to celebrate the city’s rich history,” he said. “From iconic blue street markers to the Houston Police Department’s signature blue police cars and helicopters, this color holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians. We’re thrilled to share this tradition with our fans and offer them the chance to show their pride through exclusive merchandise, making it an exciting time for Cougar Nation to rally together.”

The accompanying press release for the uniforms came with a helpful history lesson showing that the Oilers adopted a color widely associated with Houston, not the other way around. The city has incorporated blue into public infrastructure, from street curbs to city vehicles, since the 1920s. The Oilers weren’t even the first Houston team to use blue in their uniforms. That honor belongs to the minor league baseball team, the Houston Buffs.

UH will be offering a wide range of merchandise to sell in the new Houston Blue colors in person and online through the University of Houston Bookstore as well as at select local retailers. These include shirts, hats, polos, jerseys, and hoodies. Get them before the NFL sends a more strongly-worded letter.

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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!

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