9/24/2023
by Juan Moore/OutlookNewsOnline
Photos by Juan Moore/Outlook News
Jacksonville, FL-In a thrilling Sunday showdown that saw the Houston Texans secure their first win of the season, Andrew Beck etched his name into NFL history with a jaw-dropping 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. This barnstorming feat solidified Beck’s position as the heaviest player to ever accomplish such a touchdown, weighing in at a staggering 255 pounds. Beck’s remarkable journey to the end zone, breaking tackles and outpacing defenders, will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of NFL lore.
The Texans, under the stewardship of Coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, orchestrated a masterful performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving fans and pundits alike awestruck. Tank Dell, a rookie phenom, set a franchise record for receiving yards with an impressive five catches for 145 yards. Furthermore, Will Anderson, the third overall pick, emulated the legendary JJ Watt by becoming the first Houston rookie since 2011 to block a field goal.
Stroud, the young quarterback prodigy, added to the spectacle with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns, including a game-sealing 68-yarder to the sensational Dell. This historic performance catapulted Stroud into the annals of NFL history, making him the first player ever to amass an astonishing 906 yards passing, four TDs, and no interceptions in his first three games. The Texans, maintaining their stranglehold over Jacksonville, have now won their last five encounters in the city, dominating the series with an impressive 16 wins out of the last 19 matchups.
However, the Jaguars’ performance, especially as 7 1/2-point favorites at home, left much to be desired. A lethargic start saw their first five drives ending in a series of missed field goals, punts, and a blocked field goal, setting the stage for their demise. They rallied in the third quarter, scoring on their first two possessions to breathe life into the contest. Yet, the subsequent kickoff return by Beck served as a dramatic turning point, ensuring the game’s narrative would be etched with his name.
Beck’s electrifying touchdown return made history as he eluded all 11 Jaguars defenders in his path, delivering a play for the ages. This exceptional feat is made even more remarkable when considering he is the first fullback to return a kickoff for a touchdown since Jacksonville’s Derrick Wimbush did so in 2005. Wimbush’s feat came 16 years ago, a testament to the rarity of such a play in the NFL.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson voiced his frustration with the lackluster execution and inability to tackle Beck, emphasizing the dire need for improved performance across the board. While Trevor Lawrence showed flashes of his potential with 279 passing yards and a touchdown to Christian Kirk, the collective shortcomings of the team, including dropped passes by Calvin Ridley and defensive lapses on third downs, sealed their fate.
The Jaguars, now standing at a 1-2 record, are faced with the arduous task of self-reflection as they prepare for two games in London, with the first matchup slated as a “home game” against Atlanta at Wembley Stadium. The Texans, on the other hand, bask in the glory of their maiden victory of the season, celebrating a historic day that saw Andrew Beck etch his name into NFL folklore with a touchdown return that defied the odds. The echoes of this unforgettable Sunday will resonate throughout the league, marking a momentous occasion in the sport’s rich history.