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Chargers Surge Past Texans in Preseason Opener

Amar Johnson's dominant performance and a fourth-quarter explosion helped the Los Angeles Chargers defeat the Houston Texans 27-7 at NRG Stadium on Friday.

Coralie Oakley

August 14, 20262 min read

preseason football victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
preseason football victory - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NFLFinal
Los Angeles Chargers27
Houston Texans7

August 14, 2026

A Fourth-Quarter Explosion Seals Victory

The Los Angeles Chargers delivered a decisive statement in their preseason opener, dismantling the host Houston Texans 27-7 at NRG Stadium. The game turned on its head during the final period as Amar Johnson accounted for eight points, including a touchdown run and a two-point conversion, propelling the visiting squad to a comfortable lead that Houston could not overcome.

Johnson Dominates in Debut Appearance

Johnson was the standout performer for Los Angeles, finishing with two receptions for 68 yards. His impact was immediate in the second quarter when he caught a seven-yard pass from Trey Lance for a touchdown, giving the Chargers a 10-7 advantage at halftime. That score marked the high-water mark for Houston, which failed to add any points after the opening drive.

Johnson extended his influence late in the fourth quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown. He also successfully executed a two-point conversion run, adding crucial points to an already insurmountable lead. His efforts were complemented by quarterback Trey Lance, who completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards and added 27 rushing yards on three carries, though he did throw one interception.

Texans Offensive Struggles Continue

Houston’s offense managed only seven points in the entire contest. Quarterback Davis Mills started for the Texans, completing nine of fifteen passes for 82 yards and one touchdown. His sole scoring connection came early in the first quarter when he found Jared Wayne on a five-yard pass, followed by a successful kick from Chris Freeman.

Running back Noah Whittington led the ground game with 13 carries for 40 yards. Rookie receiver Marlin Klein made his debut, hauling in one pass for 31 yards. Despite these contributions, the Texans' offense was stifled after the opening quarter, failing to generate any momentum against a Chargers defense that held firm throughout.

Scoring Summary and Final Notes

The Chargers built their lead methodically. Cameron Dicker opened the scoring with a 34-yard field goal in the first quarter before adding another from 48 yards in the third period. The fourth quarter saw Los Angeles pour it on, with Devonte Ross catching a three-yard pass from DJ Uiagalelei for a touchdown, though the subsequent point-after attempt failed.

The game drew an attendance of 67,655 fans to Houston. With the loss, the Texans drop to 0-1 on the season, while the Chargers improve to 1-0. The result highlights the early challenges Houston faces in establishing offensive rhythm, while Los Angeles demonstrates growing cohesion under its new leadership.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401873274

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Coralie Oakley

Coralie Oakley covers Denton high school and area college sports.

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