Texans show world what they can do
Published: Wed, Dec. 03, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Wed, Dec. 03, 2008 02:20AM
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closeHOUSTON -- Mario Williams made the most of the spotlight.
Williams, a former N.C. State star, had a season-high three sacks and forced a fumble and rookie Steve Slaton had two touchdown runs to lead the Texans to a 30-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Houston's first ever Monday night game.
Andre Johnson added a TD reception and Kris Brown kicked three field goals in the Texans' second straight win.
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The top overall pick in the 2006 draft, Williams said he came out with extra incentive -- a chance to show a national television audience what he and the Texans could do.
Williams brought down quarterback David Garrard in the second, third and fourth quarters, and forced a fumble by Garrard on his final sack.
Williams played well in his only other night game, making 3 1/2 sacks in a Thursday night matchup against Denver last season. The rest of the defense followed Williams' lead, holding the Jaguars to 218 yards and a field goal through three quarters.
Slaton had both TD runs in the fourth quarter and finished with 130 yards on 21 carries.
Slaton ranks third among rookies with 904 rushing yards this season. The Texans (5-7) are impressed the third-round draft pick has blossomed into such a durable runner.
"He's become a great every-down back," said quarterback Sage Rosenfels. "He hits the hole quick and he's got great balance. He has been a gem for this team."
Jacksonville (4-8) lost its fifth in six games with another lackluster performance. The Jaguars had three turnovers and missed a field goal and Garrard fell to the grass twice without being touched by Houston's defense.
The Jaguars' only TDs came in the last 3 minutes with the game out of reach.
Williams got his ninth sack of the season and first in almost a month when he took down Garrard on third-and-5 to force a punt late in the second. The second one came in the third when the QB tripped on one of his lineman and got back up to try to get a pass off. Williams yanked him down before he could get rid of the ball.
"We finally get a chance for the whole world to see us," Williams said, "so you've got to take advantage of it."
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