Bucs Ground Game Powers 14-10 Win Over Texans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White churned out 25 yards on five carries, helping lift the Bucs to a 14-10 victory over the Houston Texans Monday night at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Key rushing contributions and clock control proved decisive in primetime, underscoring Tampa Bay’s commitment to a run-first attack and keeping the Buccaneers atop the NFC South.

Early Texans Lead

• Texans rookie C.J. Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 29-yard touchdown on their opening drive to go up 7-0.
• Houston extended its advantage to 10-7 when Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled a 35-yard field goal late in the first quarter.

Buccaneers Rally

• Baker Mayfield evened the score at 7 with a 20-yard strike to Emeka Egbuka early in the second quarter.
• On a 14-play, 77-yard march, Mayfield found Egbuka again from 15 yards out, capping the drive and putting Tampa Bay ahead 14-10.
• White’s timely carries on third downs helped sustain drives and limit Houston possessions, while the Buccaneers’ defense held the Texans without a touchdown after their fast start.

Defensive Stand and Clock Management

• Tampa Bay’s defense forced Houston into three punts after the Texans’ initial touchdown and field goal, preserving the one-score lead.
• The Buccaneers ran 21 combined times for 101 rushing yards, with White’s 25-yard effort complementing Bucky Irving’s 41 yards, helping Tampa Bay control the clock in the second half.

Tampa Bay improves to 2-0, while Houston falls to 0-2 as both teams turn their focus to divisional matchups in Week 3.