Mallett helps Texans to 1st win, 19-9 over Tampa Bay

HOUSTON (AP) — Ryan Mallett threw for threw for 228 yards and a touchdown and Alfred Blue had 139 yards rushing with a score to lead the Houston Texans to a 19-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Mallett gave Houston (1-2) an early lead on a 5-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins on the opening drive.

The Buccaneers (1-2) went up 9-7 on a touchdown reception by Charles Sims in the second quarter that came after an interception by Mallett, but didn't score again. They were foiled by kicking problems as Kyle Brindza, who made a 58-yard field goal early in the second quarter, missed an extra point and three field goals in the second half.

Alfred Blue had a 20-yard touchdown run after Brindza's second missed field goal in the fourth quarter, but Randy Bullock missed the extra point to leave Houston up 16-9.

Top overall pick Jameis Winston threw for 261 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Tampa Bay.

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