Texans at Broncos Week 7: Highlights, score and recap

The Denver Broncos were a big favorite to beat the Houston Texans in a Monday Night Football matchup, and they did just that.

The Denver Broncos ran all over the Houston Texans on Monday night, as Devontae Booker and C.J. Anderson each rushed for a touchdown in the victory. Booker, a rookie out of Utah, scored the first touchdown of his NFL career, plunging in from one yard out in the third quarter. It was the Broncos’ first touchdown in a third quarter this season, and gave the team a 21-9 lead.

The Texans actually got out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter, as two Nick Novak field goals were the only scoring in the opening frame. Denver would strike twice in the second quarter, as Anderson scored from seven yards out. Demaryius Thomas caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Siemian to give the team a 14-6 half time lead, as the Broncos took complete control of the game.

Houston tried to make a game of it in the second half, as another Novak field goal closed the gap to five points. After a nice stop, the Texans got the ball back and were driving, but the first turnover of the game proved to be a killer.

Alfred Blue was rocked by Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward, losing control of the ball, and falling into the arms of Todd Davis. The turnover led to a touchdown drive by the Broncos, capped off by Booker’s one-yard score.

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On the first play of the fourth quarter, Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler lost control of the ball as he went to throw, and it was ruled a fumble. With the ball already deep in Texans territory, the Broncos attempted to give themselves a huge lead, but had to settle for a field goal. McManus would boot another field goal with under two minutes left in the game, as the Broncos beat the Texans, 27-9.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/790730044188483584

Three Stars

1. Demaryius Thomas

Thomas is one of the best wide receivers in all of football, and proved why once again on Monday night. He made big play after big play, helping the Broncos move the ball efficiently throughout. For the fourth game out of his last five, Thomas scored a touchdown, and his four-yard score in the second quarter would actually prove to be a backbreaker.

Having Thomas has been a Godsend for Trevor Siemian, who is able to take shots downfield in the passing game. Thomas has the ability to go up and get it, and is one of the better receivers in the NFL in the red zone. Denver relies heavily on the running game, but that has not stopped Thomas from putting up solid numbers this season.

2. C.J. Anderson

With all the talk as to whether his role would be diminished with the emergence of Devontae Booker, C.J. Anderson just puts his head down and produces. He had another big game on Monday night, running all over the Houston Texans. Anderson scored his first touchdown in three games against the Texans, and appears to be ready to continue to lead this backfield.

Booker is definitely a talent, but having Anderson in the lineup is so huge for Trevor Siemian. Anderson is the kind of running back who can be productive in both the running and passing games, but he did all of his damage on the ground on Monday night. He led the team with 107 yards rushing, as he went over 100 yards for the first time this season.

3. Devontae Booker

Looks like the kid from Utah is a keeper. Devontae Booker found the end zone for the first time in his NFL career, scoring from one yard out in the third quarter. The rookie ran the ball hard all game long, and teamed with Anderson to form a dominant 1-2 punch in the backfield. If both backs run the way they did on Monday, the Broncos are going to be hard to beat.

For the game, Booker rushed for 83 yards on 17 carries, which were both career highs. Booker also caught a pass for four yards, and really played well on the national stage. The Broncos felt coming into this game that they had something special in Booker, and he proved them right against the Texans.

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Next Week

Both teams will be at home next week, as the Denver Broncos play host to AFC West rival San Diego. Houston will take on Detroit at NRG Stadium.