Jets beat Texans on Thursday Night Football behind Aaron Rodgers’ 3 TDs: Live updates and reaction

Kirk Herbstreit mentioned during the broadcast that CJ Stroud admitted he was beaten when he came in Thursday night. What unfolded on the pitch certainly didn’t help as Stroud were hit early and often. He was slow to get up on his last (meaningful) snap of the first half when Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas tackled him (not called by the officials) for a sack. On the other side of the ball, Texans defensive MVP Will Anderson suffered an apparent ankle injury in the first half and, after returning briefly, did not play after halftime.

The Jets did everything they could to give this game away. But with Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs out, the Texans receivers couldn’t be separated. Houston’s offensive line couldn’t protect Stroud. Stroud had a bumpy night regardless. And it was a great off-night for kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn. However, Houston has some margin for error in the AFC South race at 6-3 and has already completed a season sweep of the second-place Colts.

Now they have three extra days off before they host the Lions next week, where they could have Nico Collins back in the lineup. Things are still shaping up nicely for the second half of the season in Houston.