Seahawks Defeat Texans 27-19, Forge Three-Way Tie in NFC West
SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks secured a crucial victory on Monday night, defeating the Houston Texans 27-19 at Lumen Field. This win not only marked Seattle’s fifth of the season but also established a three-way tie atop the NFC West standings. The Seahawks’ defense delivered a standout performance, effectively containing the Texans and forcing four turnovers.
Defensive Dominance Leads to Victory
Before kickoff, Seattle honored franchise legends Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas by raising the ceremonial 12 flag, igniting the crowd. The Seahawks’ defense followed suit by harassing Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, sacking him three times and holding him to a completion rate of under 50% (23-for-49). This defensive prowess kept Houston from scoring until late in the fourth quarter, despite the Seahawks missing key defensive backs Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love.
Seattle’s offense also had its moments, highlighted by rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who caught eight passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Running back Zach Charbonnet contributed significantly as well, scoring twice on the ground. Despite turning the ball over four times and struggling on third downs (converting only 2 of 14), the Seahawks managed to maintain control of the game.
This victory improved Seattle’s record to 5-2 as they head into a bye week. With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 4, the Seahawks may explore potential trades, particularly concerning cornerback Riq Woolen, who does not appear to be part of their long-term plans.
Texans Struggle to Capitalize
On the other side, the Houston Texans faced a disappointing outing, particularly in the fourth quarter. Trailing 27-12 with just over five minutes remaining, Houston found themselves on the Seahawks’ 3-yard line but failed to score. A series of ineffective plays culminated in a turnover on downs, highlighting the Texans’ inability to capitalize on opportunities.
Stroud finished the night with 229 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception, struggling to replicate his previous week’s performance against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans’ run game faltered, managing only 56 yards, which further hampered their offensive efforts. This was a stark contrast to their previous game, where they scored 44 points.
One of the key matchups was supposed to be between All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and Smith-Njigba. Stingley allowed 49 yards and a touchdown against the rookie, who has been making headlines all season. Interestingly, Stingley did not frequently match up with Smith-Njigba in press coverage, which is typically his strength.
The Texans now sit at a record of 2-4 and will face the San Francisco 49ers in their next game, seeking to improve their offensive production.
As the Seahawks celebrate their victory and look ahead, the focus will be on fortifying their defense further and maintaining offensive momentum. With key players expected to return after the bye, Seattle aims to solidify its position within the competitive NFC West.
