Editor: Joe Bryant. Game Recap Contributors: Mike Anderson, Michael Brown, Chris Burtt, J.D. Caldwell, David Dodds, Jim Enochs, Joel Faulhaber, Michael Flynn, Kevin Goldblum, Clayton Gray, Bob Harris, Fred Hebert, Jesse Hilsenrad, Drew Kendall, Jeff Lewis, Joey Matusek, Justin Oliver, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Cody Smith, Scott Smith, Jeffrey Stout. Houston 3 at San Diego 24 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Houston Texans: The expansion Texans first road game of the regular season was a tough one for the offense. David Carr was only 1/9 for 6 yards passing in the first half. He finished the game 6/25 for 87 yards, and 2 interceptions. James Allen was the only offensive bright spot, even though he had a pedestrian 56 total yards. The Houston defense did their part, allowing the Chargers only 2 offensive TDs. Both of these were came in the first quarter of the game. They also forced San Diego to punt the ball 10 times. The Texans were flagged 12 times for 73 yards. The penalties came at all the wrong times, negating several big plays. San Diego Chargers: Drew Brees didn't appear sharp in the game either. His two longest completions were under thrown. He also threw an interception in the game. Curtis Conway should be the player of the game. He scored the only two offensive TDs of the game. One was a 35 yard reception and the other was a 3 yard reverse. LaDainian Tomlinson's longest run of the night was for 10 yards. He finished the game with 90 total yards. San Diego's defense did a wonderful job keeping the pressure on David Carr. The Chargers came away with 9 sacks. The Texans also had to punt 10 times. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Houston Texans QB - David Carr showed the public that he's indeed a rookie playing for a 1st year expansion team. He completed less than 25% of his passes and turned the ball over 3 times. Carr's 1st of 2 interceptions, was slightly overthrown as it bounced off the receivers hands. RB - James Allen carried the load for the Texans in this game. He had a 19 yard gain called back for holding. Jonathan Wells had a poor performance with 6 carries for only 3 yards. WR - Corey Bradford only had one catch this week but could have had one more for a TD. He made a diving finger tip grab in the end zone that was ruled incomplete. He failed to show control before the ball bounced off the grass. Jabbar Gaffney led the team with 2 receptions for 37 yards. Jermaine Lewis didn't have any receptions but did have a carry for 1 yard when he lined up as a tailback. Newly acquired JuJuan Dawson also had a catch. TE - There were no catches by a Texan TE. Pass Defense - The Texans had 2 sacks and an interception for the day. They almost had a fumble recovery for a TD when Brees was ruled down to protect the QB. Rush Defense - Held LaDainian Tomlinson to 3.1 yards per carry. Forced the Chargers to punt 10 times. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/** San Diego Chargers QB - Drew Brees was off all night. He managed to connect on a TD, even though the ball was badly under thrown. Brees had one interception in the game also. RB - LaDainian Tomlinson was held for 84 yards rushing by the expansion team. He looked good making cuts and showed good corner speed. He was not given many holes by the OL. His longest run was for 10 yards. Terrell Fletcher was active in the passing game with 19 yards receiving on 3 catches. He had 10 yards running the ball. WR - Curtis Conway was the entire offense for the Chargers. His two 1st quarter TDs would be the last the offense would see. Conway did well adjusting to poorly thrown balls by the QB. He was the only WR with any receptions. Tim Dwight did get 20 yards on a reverse. TE - Both TEs saw action in the passing game. Neither were productive. Stephen Alexander had a long reception for 7 yards but finished with 3 catches for 3 yards. Josh Norman had a big catch for 18 yards in the 1st quarter. He finished with 2 catches. Pass Defense - 9 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. They almost had a safety, but Carr was able to twist out to the goal line. The constant blitz paid off in this game. Allowed only 87 passing yards. 7 of the sacks came in the second half. Rush Defense - Forced the Texans to punt 10 times. Allowed only 89 rushing yards.