Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats

On September 15, 2024, the Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, in a game that showcased intense competition, standout performances, and critical moments. The Texans emerged victorious with a close 19-13 scoreline, driven by a strong defensive effort and key offensive plays. This article dives into the player stats, key moments, and individual contributions that shaped this exciting NFL matchup, presented in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard Bears or Texans fan or just love football, let’s break down the numbers and highlights from this game

Game Overview: A Defensive Battle with Offensive Sparks

The Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats was a tale of two teams with contrasting styles. The Bears, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, were looking to build momentum in their rebuilding phase, while the Texans, with second-year QB C.J. Stroud, aimed to solidify their status as an ascending AFC contender. The game was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm in the second half. However, key plays in the first half and clutch field goals by Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn sealed the deal for the Texans. The final score of 19-13 reflected a hard-fought battle where every yard mattered.

Let’s dive into the player stats to see who stood out, who struggled, and how the numbers tell the story of this thrilling matchup.

Team Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats : A Quick Snapshot

Before we get to individual performances, here’s a high-level look at how the teams stacked up:

• Total Yards: Texans 310, Bears 205

• Passing Yards: Texans 235, Bears 134

• Rushing Yards: Texans 75, Bears 71

• Time of Possession: Bears 31:13, Texans 28:47

• First Downs: Texans 15, Bears 15

• Penalties: Bears 9 (60 yards), Texans 12 (115 yards)

• Turnovers: Bears 2 (2 interceptions), Texans 1 (1 fumble lost)

• Third-Down Conversions: Bears 6/17 (35.3%), Texans 4/14 (28.6%)

The Texans outgained the Bears by over 100 yards, but Chicago’s defense kept them in the game by limiting Houston’s red-zone efficiency (1/2). The Bears’ two interceptions thrown by Caleb Williams proved costly, while Houston’s balanced attack and fewer mistakes gave them the edge.

Chicago Bears: Player Stats and Key Performers

The Bears entered this game with high hopes for their rookie QB and a revamped offense. Let’s break down how their key players performed.

Passing: Caleb Williams’ Tough Day

• Caleb Williams: 23/37, 174 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 51.0 passer rating, 7 sacks

Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, showed flashes of potential but faced heavy pressure from Houston’s defense. He completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards, with a longest completion of 27 yards. However, two interceptions and seven sacks (losing 40 yards) hindered Chicago’s offensive flow. Williams’ mobility was a bright spot, as he added 44 rushing yards, but the rookie struggled against Houston’s relentless pass rush led by Danielle Hunter.

Rushing: A Quiet Day on the Ground

• D’Andre Swift: 14 carries, 18 yards, 0 TDs, 7-yard long

• Caleb Williams: 5 carries, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 24-yard long

• Khalil Herbert: 2 carries, 3 yards, 1 TD, 2-yard long

• Travis Homer: 1 carry, 6 yards, 0 TDs, 6-yard long

The Bears’ rushing attack totaled just 71 yards on 22 carries, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt. D’Andre Swift, expected to be the lead back, struggled to find room, gaining only 18 yards on 14 carries. Khalil Herbert scored Chicago’s lone touchdown on a 2-yard run in the second quarter, but his limited carries (just two) were surprising. Caleb Williams was the team’s leading rusher, using his legs to escape pressure and pick up a 24-yard scamper. The Texans’ defensive front, particularly their ability to control the line of scrimmage, stifled Chicago’s ground game.

Receiving: Spreading the Ball Around

• DJ Moore: 10 targets, 6 receptions, 53 yards, 0 TDs, 19-yard long

• Cole Kmet: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 27 yards, 0 TDs, 12-yard long

• D’Andre Swift: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 24 yards, 0 TDs, 14-yard long

• DeAndre Carter: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 32 yards, 0 TDs, 14-yard long

• Rome Odunze: 5 targets, 2 receptions, 33 yards, 0 TDs, 27-yard long

• Khalil Herbert: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 4 yards, 0 TDs, 2-yard long

• Gerald Everett: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 1 yard, 0 TDs, 2-yard long

The Bears’ passing game leaned heavily on DJ Moore, who led the team with 53 receiving yards on six catches. Rookie Rome Odunze showed promise with a 27-yard reception, but his two catches on five targets suggest he’s still finding his rhythm. Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift were reliable short-yardage options, combining for eight receptions. DeAndre Carter chipped in with three catches, including a 14-yarder. The lack of a passing touchdown and limited big plays (only two receptions over 20 yards) reflected Chicago’s offensive struggles against Houston’s secondary.

Defense: Holding Their Own

• Tremaine Edmunds: 8 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss

• Kevin Byard III: 7 solo tackles, 11 total tackles

• Jaquan Brisker: 4 solo tackles, 8 total tackles

• Kyler Gordon: 4 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended

• Gervon Dexter Sr.: 1 solo tackle, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss

• Tyrique Stevenson: 4 solo tackles, 1 pass defended

The Bears’ defense was a bright spot, holding the Texans to 19 points despite being on the field for nearly 29 minutes. Tremaine Edmunds led the way with a sack and eight solo tackles, while Kevin Byard III was all over the field with 11 total tackles. Gervon Dexter Sr. added a sack, and the secondary, led by Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon, limited Houston’s passing game to one touchdown. The Bears’ defense also forced one fumble, though they couldn’t capitalize with any interceptions.

Kicking and Special Teams

• Cairo Santos: 2/2 field goals (53, 54 yards), 1/1 extra points

• Tory Taylor: 6 punts, 2 inside the 20, no touchbacks

• DeAndre Carter: 2 kick returns for 50 yards, 1 punt return for 1 yard

Cairo Santos was perfect on field goals, nailing two long ones (53 and 54 yards) to keep the Bears in the game. Rookie punter Tory Taylor did well to pin Houston inside their 20 twice, but the special teams unit didn’t generate any game-changing returns.

Houston Texans: Player Stats and Key Performers

The Texans leaned on their defense and timely offensive plays to secure the win. Let’s look at how their players performed.

Passing: C.J. Stroud’s Efficient Day

• C.J. Stroud: 23/36, 260 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 94.7 passer rating, 3 sacks

C.J. Stroud delivered a solid performance, completing 23 of 36 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown. His 28-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins in the second quarter was a highlight, showcasing his ability to make big plays. Despite taking three sacks, Stroud avoided turnovers and managed the game well, particularly in the first half when Houston built their lead. His 94.7 passer rating reflects an efficient, if not spectacular, outing.

Rushing: A Balanced but Modest Attack

• Cam Akers: 7 carries, 32 yards, 0 TDs, 13-yard long

• Joe Mixon: 9 carries, 25 yards, 0 TDs, 16-yard long

• Tank Dell: 3 carries, 16 yards, 0 TDs, 18-yard long

• Dare Ogunbowale: 2 carries, 3 yards, 0 TDs, 3-yard long

• C.J. Stroud: 1 carry, -1 yard, 0 TDs

The Texans’ rushing attack was modest, totaling 75 yards on 22 carries (3.4 yards per attempt). Cam Akers led the way with 32 yards, while Joe Mixon added 25 yards on nine carries. Tank Dell, primarily a receiver, contributed 16 yards on three carries, including an 18-yard run. The lack of a rushing touchdown didn’t hurt Houston, as their passing game and field goals provided enough points.

Receiving: Nico Collins Shines

• Nico Collins: 10 targets, 8 receptions, 135 yards, 1 TD, 28-yard long

• Stefon Diggs: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 37 yards, 0 TDs, 21-yard long

• Joe Mixon: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 25 yards, 0 TDs, 9-yard long

• Dalton Schultz: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 21 yards, 0 TDs, 16-yard long

• Dare Ogunbowale: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 20 yards, 0 TDs, 13-yard long

• Cade Stover: 1 target, 1 reception, 18 yards, 0 TDs, 18-yard long

• Brevin Jordan: 1 target, 1 reception, 4 yards, 0 TDs, 4-yard long

• Cam Akers: 1 target, 1 reception, 3 yards, 0 TDs, 3-yard long

• Tank Dell: 4 targets, 1 reception, -3 yards, 0 TDs

Nico Collins was the star of the show, hauling in eight catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. His 28-yard score in the second quarter gave Houston a lead they never relinquished. Stefon Diggs and Dalton Schultz provided reliable targets, while Joe Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale contributed in the short passing game. Tank Dell’s -3-yard reception was a rare misstep in an otherwise effective passing attack.

Defense: Shutting Down the Bears

• Danielle Hunter: 1.5 sacks, 0.5 tackles for loss, 3 solo tackles

• Kamari Lassiter: 1 interception

• Team Defense: 7 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble forced

The Texans’ defense was the difference-maker, sacking Caleb Williams seven times and forcing two interceptions. Danielle Hunter led the pass rush with 1.5 sacks, while Kamari Lassiter’s interception was a momentum-shifter. The defense’s ability to pressure Williams and limit Chicago’s offense to 205 total yards was crucial in securing the win.

Kicking and Special Teams

• Ka’imi Fairbairn: 4/4 field goals (56, 47, 59, 53 yards), 1/1 extra points

• Tommy Townsend: 6 punts, no touchbacks

Ka’imi Fairbairn was perfect, drilling four field goals, including a 59-yarder that tied for the game’s longest kick. His consistency was vital in a low-scoring game. Tommy Townsend’s punting was solid, helping Houston control field position.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

The game was defined by a few critical plays:

• First Quarter: Both teams traded field goals, with Fairbairn’s 56-yarder and Santos’ 53-yarder setting the tone for a defensive battle (3-3).

• Second Quarter: Stroud’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins gave Houston a 10-3 lead. Fairbairn added a 47-yard field goal, but Khalil Herbert’s 2-yard touchdown run kept Chicago close (10-13). Fairbairn’s 59-yard field goal as the half ended extended Houston’s lead to 16-10.

• Third Quarter: A scoreless quarter highlighted the defensive dominance of both teams.

• Fourth Quarter: Fairbairn’s 53-yard field goal pushed Houston’s lead to 19-10. Santos’ 54-yard field goal made it 19-13, but Chicago couldn’t capitalize on their final drives, thanks to Houston’s defense.

Standout Performers

• Nico Collins (Texans): His 135 receiving yards and touchdown were game-changers, earning him the top offensive performance of the night.

• Ka’imi Fairbairn (Texans): Perfect on four field goals, including two from beyond 50 yards, Fairbairn was Houston’s unsung hero.

• Danielle Hunter (Texans): His 1.5 sacks and constant pressure on Williams disrupted Chicago’s offense.

• Tremaine Edmunds (Bears): Leading Chicago’s defense with a sack and eight solo tackles, Edmunds kept the Bears competitive.

• Caleb Williams (Bears): Despite the struggles, his 44 rushing yards showed his dual-threat potential, though the interceptions and sacks highlight areas for growth.

What the Stats Tell Us

The stats paint a picture of a game where Houston’s efficiency and defensive prowess outshone Chicago’s effort. The Texans’ passing game, led by Stroud and Collins, was more explosive, while their defense capitalized on Williams’ inexperience. The Bears showed resilience, particularly on defense, but their offense couldn’t overcome the turnovers and sacks. Both teams struggled on third downs, but Houston’s ability to avoid turnovers and convert key field goals made the difference.

Why This Game Matters

For the Texans, the 19-13 win improved their record to 2-0, signaling their potential as a playoff contender in the AFC South. For the Bears, the loss dropped them to 1-1, but it provided valuable experience for Caleb Williams and the young offense. The game highlighted the importance of protecting the quarterback and minimizing mistakes, lessons both teams will carry forward.

Looking Ahead

The Bears will need to shore up their offensive line to give Williams more time and reduce turnovers. Their defense, however, proved they can hang with top teams. The Texans, meanwhile, will look to build on their defensive dominance and find more consistency in their run game. With players like Nico Collins and C.J. Stroud, Houston has the pieces to make a deep run in 2024.

Conclusion

The Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats on September 15, 2024, was a classic NFL battle defined by defense, clutch kicking, and standout performances from players like Nico Collins and Tremaine Edmunds. While the Texans walked away with the 19-13 victory, both teams showed heart and potential. The player stats tell the story of a game where every play mattered, and Houston’s ability to capitalize on Chicago’s mistakes made the difference. For fans, this game was a reminder of why we love football—grit, strategy, and moments of brilliance. Keep an eye on both teams as they continue their 2024 campaigns