HOUSTON — The problems that have plagued the Houston Texans were nowhere to be found on Sunday.
Playing against the Oakland Raiders can do that for a team.
Steve Slaton scored two touchdowns, Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff for a score and the Texans beat the Raiders 29-6 Sunday.
The Texans (2-2) finally found their running game and figured out a way to shut down someone else’s as Houston’s NFL-worst defense held the Raiders to 45 yards rushing. The Texans were allowing 205 yards rushing entering the game.
Houston also forced three turnovers and got its first safety in almost seven years.
The Raiders (1-3) continued to struggle, with JaMarcus Russell completing 12-of-33 passes for 128 yards and Darren McFadden finishing with six carries for minus-3 yards rushing.
Oakland’s first turnover came when DeMeco Ryans stripped the ball from Michael Bush and it was recovered by Antonio Smith in the third quarter. The Texans couldn’t capitalize.
But Andre’ Davis downed the punt at the 1, and rookie Brian Cushing tackled Justin Fargas in the end zone for a safety to make it 22-6. It was Houston’s first safety since its inaugural season of 2002.
