Bucs vs Texans Finals Scores, Recap, Highlights: Ryan Mallett controls the game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Kyle Brindza (2) kicks a 58-yard field goal against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, September 27, 2015, in Houston.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Winston said it was a “cheap” play. This game was situational football.

It was the first win on the season for the Texans, who didn’t look much better, but didn’t turn the ball over. The Bucs know they have to commit two, sometimes three blockers on Watt at all times.

Winston launched a 33-yard pass to Louis Murphy just before he was leveled by J.J. Watt early in the fourth quarter. “No, it doesn’t work like that”.

“We smiling; hope we can get there and hit him, too”, he said. Easier said than done. When you can’t block defensive linemen, it really doesn’t matter what runs you call.

The Bucs still need to do more on offense.

In the fourth quarter, Mallett connected with Hopkins on a 30-yard pass that led to a touchdown run by Alfred Blue.

The glass-half-full version is that Evans struggled on Sunday and still topped 100 yards, but his drops were troublesome no matter how you slice it. Evans was targeted seven times on third down and didn’t catch any of them, which won’t cut it if the Bucs want Jameis Winston to continue to make weekly progress. Evans had 68 receptions for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. J.J Watt’s best plays were tackles coming from the backside.

Whether Austin is able to go this week or not, Mike’s role has to increase.

The other thing that went wrong was a consistent failure to connect with open receivers.

Entering week three, there were nine teams that started the season 0-2. Ryan Mallett was 24-of-39 for 228 yards, with one touchdown and and one interception in his second start of the year. Their running back LeGarrette Blount added 78 yards and there scores on the ground. Winston was frequently asked to get rid of the ball quickly, before any pressure could happen – exactly how the Titans and Texans stifled the Bucs’ pass rush.

KABB, the local FOX affiliate, plans to show the Dallas Cowboys game at noon Sunday rather than the Houston Texans game.

The Texans, meanwhile, head into this week feeling good. The last team to start 0-3 and have a successful season was the 1998 Buffalo Bills, who rode the heart and integrity of Doug Flutie after a week six quarterback change. Signed to a four-year, $26 million contract in the offseason that included $10.681 million guaranteed with a $5.25 million signing bonus, Mercilus says he’s determined to make the most of his opportunities.

Injuries continued to plague the offensive line.