The Houston Texans have eased to a fourth consecutive victory courtesy of a 24-6 triumph over the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium this evening.
The match was the visitors' first since Dennis Allen replaced Rob Ryan as the defensive coordinator last week, but it was the same old story for New Orleans in the opening exchanges.
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Houston raced into a 14-0 lead with touchdowns on their first two possessions as Brian Hoyer picked out Ryan Griffin for a 10-yard score before connecting with Cecil Shorts III from three yards.
Indeed, Hoyer, back in the side after missing last week through concussion, was successful on his opening 11 pass attempts, but his first failure resulted in an interception by Jairus Byrd as the Saints were handed their best attacking platform of the game up to that point.
However, while the defence began to improve as the first half wore on, Drew Brees's offense was continually stifled by the Texans and the NFC South outfit were limited to two Kai Forbath field goals - one from a career-best 57 yards - to bring themselves to within eight at half time.
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Any comeback hopes were dealt another blow early in the third quarter, however, as Alfred Blue drove his way into the endzone from eight yards out, while Nick Novak added a field goal to extend the lead to 18.
Brees finally got the Saints to within sight of the endzone in the fourth quarter, but his pass intended for Brandin Cooks was picked off by Kareem Jackson to keep the visitors at bay.
Indeed, there was no further score as the Texans became the first side in 10 years to prevent the Saints from scoring a touchdown, ending a 155-game streak.
The result also sees the hosts move to the top of the AFC South with a 6-5 record, while the Saints remain bottom of the NFC South at 4-7 following a third straight defeat.
