Chiefs-Texans Final Score: Hoyer Gets Pulled In Awful Debut, Texans Drop Season Opener In Ugly Fashion

Final Score: Texans 20, Chiefs 27

Before a starter was named, Bill O'Brien often seemed offended when the media (and fans, by extension) questioned the quality of play to be expected by either Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett.

After a rough start for Hoyer, hopefully O'Brien now understands why.

Hoyer completed 18 of his 34 passes, threw a touchdown and an interception -- on his very first throw -- and also lost a fumble. Justin Houston and company made life miserable for the Texans offense who set up Alex Smith for two easy touchdowns after both of Hoyer's turnovers.

With less than 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, the second-year head coach made the swap.

In relief, Mallett led two scoring drives, hitting DeAndre Hopkins for an 8-yard score in the first, and setting up Randy Bullock for a 47-yarder, to pull the Texans within 10.

A failed onside kick ended the comeback.

Defensively, the Texans struggled in coverage while getting little pressure on an elusive Alex Smith. Tight end Travis Kelce shredded the secondary and linebackers for two scores, 106 yards on just six catches.

Once again J.J. Watt was the lone source of pressure against Smith, notching the teams only sacks (2) and QB hits (3). He was also responsible for six of Houston's seven tackles for loss.

The return of Jadeveon Clowney and debut of Vince Wilfork did little to slow down a perfectly executed gameplan by the Chiefs. Quick passes, screen plays, few penalties and no turnovers kept their offense moving and efficient.

And to wrap up how truly horrible the team looked, Randy Bullock missed his first extra point attempt. The punt coverage team allowed 16.2 yards per return, while Keith Mumphery and the return team averaged just 3.5.

Expect O'Brien to get a lot more than just quarterback questions this week.

At least the Colts lost!

Chiefs vs Texans coverage

Arrowhead Pride