Seahawks defense shines as Sam Darnold leads offense over Texans in home win
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The Seattle Seahawks defended their territory on “Monday Night Football,” dominating the Houston Texans en route to a 27-19 victory.
Seattle improved to 5-2 on the season, while the Texans, fresh off a bye week, fall to 2-4.
Sam Darnold and the Seahawks offense got off to a spectacular start in the first quarter, scoring two touchdowns on their first three drives, while Zach Charbonnet and Jaxon Smith-Njigba found paid ground once again this season.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates his touchdown catch as the official signal and watches in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Meanwhile, CJ Stroud and the Texans offense couldn’t get anything done all night against this dynamic Seahawks defense. Stroud’s first four drives ended in punts, with no more than five plays on any of them.
Surprisingly, both teams entered halftime with a one-score game, as the Texans were able to kick two field goals before the second quarter clock reached zero to make the score 14-6.
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Then in the second half, disaster struck for the Seahawks when Darnold was sacked by Will Anderson Jr. in the end zone and the Texans recovered the ball for a much-needed touchdown. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, but at 17-12, the game was within reach if Houston could find something on defense.
However, Darnold led the Seahawks to another field goal in the third quarter, and Stroud fumbled, causing this game to spiral out of control.
The fourth down attempt was at the Houston 41-yard line, and Darnold circled the field with a 19-yard pass to Smith-Njigba to enter the red zone. A few plays later, Charbonnet added another short run to score and make the score 27-12.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a Seattle Seahawks fumble in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The Texans defense continued to try to keep their team in the game, including their fourth turnover of the game when Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted Darnold. But even when the Texans were at Seattle’s 3-yard line, they were unable to score a touchdown as the Seahawks’ defense remained relentless.
But Stroud was finally able to get a trip into the red zone that ended with a touchdown, as he found running back Woody Marks to make the score 27-19. It wasn’t enough time for Houston, however, as the Seahawks ultimately got the job done.
Scoring-wise, Smith-Njigba had another 100-yard-plus game, totaling eight receptions for 123 yards with his touchdown leading the game. And while Charbonnet scored both touchdowns, Kenneth Walker III added 66 yards on 17 carries on his birthday.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) battles in the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
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For the Texans, Nico Collins left the game early with a head injury, finishing with just four receptions for 27 yards on 10 targets. It was tight end Dalton Schultz who took over with nine receptions for 98 yards.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for News Digital.