2002 Houston Texans season

NFL returns to Houston

In June 1997, Bob McNair and Chuck Watson's plans for a National Hockey League expansion team fell apart due to the lack of an arena in the Houston area. Afterward, the Houston Oilers moved to Nashville to become the Tennessee Titans. The discussion eventually began to create a new NFL expansion team, with the 31st being awarded to the reformed Cleveland Browns. Houston and Los Angeles were the two finalists, and on October 6, 1999, the league's owners voted unanimously to award Houston the 32nd franchise. In 2000, the new team, tentatively known as "Houston NFL 2002", decided on five potential team names: Apollos, Bobcats, Stallions, Texans and Wildcatters. This shortlist was eventually reduced to Apollos, Stallions and Texans. On September 6, the team name was officially revealed as the Houston Texans.

On January 19, 2000, the team hired former Washington Redskins general manager Charley Casserly to serve in the same position. In the search for a head coach, Miami coach Butch Davis was involved in discussions with McNair, but elected to stay with the university. In January 2001, the Texans hired Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Dom Capers as head coach; Capers had previously worked with the expansion Carolina Panthers as their HC. On January 20, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Vic Fangio joined the staff in the same role, followed by former Cleveland Browns head coach Chris Palmer as offensive coordinator on February 3.

Offseason

Free agency

On November 5, 2001, the Texans held workouts for defensive backs at the Reliant Astrodome. On December 29, the team signed ten players: running back Michael Basnight, safety Leomont Evans, tackles Robert Hicks and Jerry Wisne, defensive tackle Jason Nikolao, quarterback Mike Quinn, fullback Matt Snider, cornerback Jason Suttle, linebacker Casey Tisdale and safety Kevin Williams. On March 6, 2002, Colts offensive lineman Steve McKinney became the first unrestricted free agent to be signed by the Texans.

Expansion draft

Main article: 2002 NFL expansion draft

To fill the Texans roster, the NFL held an expansion draft on February 18. The team was permitted to select 42 players from the other 31 teams, each of which allowed five players to be drafted. Houston were required to select 30 players or spend 38 percent ($27.24 million) of the $71.7 million salary cap.

The first player that the Texans selected was Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli; however, the five-time Pro Bowler had been suffering from shoulder injuries during the 2001 season and never played a snap for the Texans. Houston also selected 18 more players.

On February 26, quarterback Danny Wuerffel was traded to the Washington Redskins for defensive tackle Jerry DeLoach. The Texans had intended to draft DeLoach, but the Redskins replaced him with Matt Campbell.

^ Made roster.

NFL draft

Main article: 2002 NFL draft

Undrafted free agents

Staff

• Founder, chairman and chief executive officer – Bob McNair

• Senior vice president and general manager – Charley Casserly

• Associate director of pro scouting – Bobby Grier

• Associate director of pro scouting – Miller McCalmon

• Coordinator of college scouting – Mike Maccagnan

• Head coach – Dom Capers

• Offensive coordinator – Chris Palmer

• Running backs – Chick Harris

• Wide receivers – Kippy Brown

• Tight ends – Greg Roman

• Offensive line – Tony Marciano

• Assistant offensive line – Steve Marshall

• Defensive coordinator – Vic Fangio

• Defensive line – Todd Grantham

• Linebackers – Reggie Herring

• Defensive backs (secondary) – Jon Hoke

• Assistant defensive backs (secondary) – Brian Stewart

• Defensive quality control – Jedd Fisch

• Special teams – Joe Marciano

• Special teams assistant – Eric Sutulovich

• Strength and conditioning – Dan Riley

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Ray Wright

Roster

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

• HOU – Billy Miller 19-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 14:43. ''Texans 7–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 0:13.''''' Second quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 42-yard field goal, 13:22. ''Texans 10–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards.'''''
• DAL – Billy Cundiff 33-yard field goal, 1:05. ''Texans 10–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 0:32.''''' Third quarter
• DAL – Michael Wiley 46-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 7:13. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 84 yards.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – Corey Bradford 65-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 13:15. ''Texans 17–10. '''Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 0:25.'''''
• HOU – Quincy Carter sacked in the end zone for a safety, 2:47. Texans 19–10. Top passers
• DAL – Quincy Carter – 13/30, 130 yards, INT
• HOU – David Carr – 10/22, 145 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• DAL – Emmitt Smith – 17 rushes, 67 yards
• HOU – James Allen – 19 rushes, 56 yards Top receivers
• DAL – Joey Galloway – 6 receptions, 69 yards
• HOU – Corey Bradford – 4 receptions, 99 yards, TD

Week 2: at San Diego Chargers

First quarter

• SD – Curtis Conway 35-yard pass from Drew Brees (Steve Christie kick), 11:55. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 3:37.'''''
• SD – Curtis Conway 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 2:52. ''Chargers 14–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 0:33.''''' Second quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 45-yard field goal, 9:31. ''Chargers 14–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:45.'''''
• SD – Steve Christie 36-yard field goal, 0:07. ''Chargers 17–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 0:28.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• SD – Raylee Johnson fumble recovery in the end zone (Steve Christie kick), 11:49. Chargers 24–3. Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 6/25, 87 yards, 2 INT
• SD – Drew Brees – 15/28, 163 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• HOU – James Allen – 13 rushes, 51 yards
• SD – LaDainian Tomlinson – 27 rushes, 84 yards Top receivers
• HOU – Jabar Gaffney – 2 receptions, 37 yards
• SD – Curtis Conway – 5 receptions, 113 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

• IND – Qadry Ismail 42-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 2:40. ''Colts 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:25.''''' Second quarter
• IND – Mike Vanderjagt 26-yard field goal, 12:59. ''Colts 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 10:59.'''''
• IND – Mike Vanderjagt 39-yard field goal, 1:38. ''Colts 13–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:34.''''' Third quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 24-yard field goal, 4:55. ''Colts 13–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 5:22.''''' Fourth quarter
• IND – Reggie Wayne 43-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 4:06. ''Colts 20–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:30.'''''
• IND – Mike Vanderjagt 37-yard field goal, 1:15. ''Colts 23–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:03.''''' Top passers
• IND – Peyton Manning – 21/28, 272 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – David Carr – 12/22, 99 yards, INT Top rushers
• IND – Edgerrin James – 25 rushes, 88 yards
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 14 rushes, 93 yards Top receivers
• IND – Marvin Harrison – 8 receptions, 110 yards
• HOU – JaJuan Dawson – 3 receptions, 32 yards

Week 4: at Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

• HOU – Corey Bradford 23-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 10:18. ''Texans 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:10.'''''
• PHI – David Akers 25-yard field goal, 3:56. ''Texans 7–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 5:23.''''' Second quarter
• PHI – Duce Staley 1-yard run (David Akers kick), 13:31. ''Eagles 10–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 4:19.'''''
• PHI – Duce Staley 1-yard run (David Akers kick), 5:18. ''Eagles 17–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:08.'''''
• PHI – David Akers 41-yard field goal, 2:46. ''Eagles 20–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:15.''''' Third quarter
• PHI – Brian Dawkins 57-yard pass from Brian Mitchell (McNabb pass to Lewis), 11:43. ''Eagles 28–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 3:52.'''''
• HOU – Corey Bradford 29-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 9:16. ''Eagles 28–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:12.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 48-yard field goal, 2:37. ''Eagles 28–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 2:33.''''' Fourth quarter
• PHI – James Thrash 38-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick), 5:15. ''Eagles 35–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 0:53.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 16/29, 188 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• PHI – Donovan McNabb – 24/42, 259 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• HOU – James Allen – 14 rushes, 41 yards
• PHI – Duce Staley – 12 rushes, 33 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• HOU – Corey Bradford – 7 receptions, 97 yards, 2 TD
• PHI – Todd Pinkston – 6 receptions, 70 yards

Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• HOU – Kris Brown 26-yard field goal, 10:26. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 2:19.'''''
• BUF – Mike Hollis 33-yard field goal, 5:00. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 5:26.''''' Second quarter
• HOU – Jabar Gaffney 26-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 10:31. ''Texans 10–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:34.'''''
• HOU – David Carr 17-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 5:04. ''Texans 17–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 4:04.'''''
• BUF – Travis Henry 1-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 0:54. ''Texans 17–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 4:10.''''' Third quarter
• BUF – Travis Henry 23-yard run (Mike Hollis kick), 6:32. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 11 plays, 95 yards, 5:10.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – Billy Miller 5-yard pass from James Allen (Kris Brown kick), 14:10. ''Texans 24–17. '''Drive: 2 plays, 8 yards, 0:24.'''''
• BUF – Eric Moulds 23-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 10:39. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:31.'''''
• BUF – Peerless Price 26-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 3:55. ''Bills 31–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 4:30.''''' Top passers
• BUF – Drew Bledsoe – 19/33, 254 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – David Carr – 12/23, 218 yards, TD Top rushers
• BUF – Travis Henry – 28 rushes, 159 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 12 rushes, 70 yards Top receivers
• BUF – Peerless Price – 8 receptions, 121 yards, TD
• HOU – Corey Bradford – 5 receptions, 126 yards

Week 7: at Cleveland Browns

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• CLE – William Green 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 14:23. ''Browns 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 3:28.'''''
• HOU – Corey Bradford 37-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 12:41. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 0:37.''''' Third quarter
• CLE – Phil Dawson 36-yard field goal, 10:30. ''Browns 10–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:20.'''''
• HOU – Corey Bradford 39-yard pass from Jabar Gaffney (Kris Brown kick), 9:03. ''Texans 14–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 0:37.'''''
• CLE – André Davis 95-yard kick return (Phil Dawson kick), 8:31. Browns 17–14.
• HOU – Kris Brown 47-yard field goal, 5:48. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 1:59.'''''
• CLE – Quincy Morgan 25-yard pass from Tim Couch (Phil Dawson kick), 3:22. ''Browns 24–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:14.''''' Fourth quarter
• CLE – Phil Dawson 44-yard field goal, 5:46. ''Browns 27–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 3:57.'''''
• CLE – Jamel White 2-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 2:00. ''Browns 34–17. '''Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:35.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 22/36, 267 yards, TD
• CLE – Tim Couch – 21/31, 148 yards, TD Top rushers
• HOU – James Allen – 5 rushes, 61 yards
• CLE – Jamel White – 12 rushes, 65 yards, TD Top receivers
• HOU – Billy Miller – 6 receptions, 78 yards
• CLE – Quincy Morgan – 7 receptions, 81 yards, TD

Week 8: at Jacksonville Jaguars

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• JAX – Jimmy Smith 25-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Tim Seder kick), 12:11. ''Jaguars 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:39.'''''
• HOU – Jonathan Wells 3-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 8:31. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 2:08.'''''
• JAX – Chad Stanley tackled in end zone, 5:15. Jaguars 9–7. Third quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 43-yard field goal, 11:55. ''Texans 10–9. '''Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:39.'''''
• JAX – Tim Seder 34-yard field goal, 6:31. ''Jaguars 12–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:43.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – Billy Miller 1-yard pass from David Carr (Carr pass to Gaffney), 18–12. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:12.
• JAX – Stacey Mack 2-yard run (Tim Seder kick), 7:58. ''Jaguars 19–18. '''Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:22.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 45-yard field goal, 2:24. ''Texans 21–19. '''Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 0:28.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 11/18, 184 yards, TD
• JAX – Mark Brunell – 16/34, 202 yards, TD Top rushers
• HOU – James Allen – 10 rushes, 40 yards
• JAX – Fred Taylor – 25 rushes, 85 yards Top receivers
• HOU – Billy Miller – 3 receptions, 78 yards, TD
• JAX – Jimmy Smith – 4 receptions, 80 yards, TD

Week 9: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

• HOU − Kris Brown 23-yard field goal, 10:58. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:55.'''''
• CIN – Neil Rackers 25-yard field goal, 5:51. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:16.'''''
• CIN – Artrell Hawkins 102-yard interception return (Neil Rackers kick), 0:00. Bengals 10–3. Second quarter
• CIN – Michael Westbrook 26-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Neil Rackers kick), 6:00. ''Bengals 17–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:29.'''''
• CIN – Peter Warrick 33-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Neil Rackers kick), 0:42. ''Bengals 24–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 0:07.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• CIN – Michael Westbrook 12-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Neil Rackers kick), 11:28. ''Bengals 31–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 98 yards, 16:59.'''''
• CIN – Chad Johnson 10-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Neil Rackers kick), 6:01. ''Bengals 38–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:38.''''' Top passers
• CIN – Jon Kitna – 22/27, 263 yards, 4 TD
• HOU – David Carr – 18/32, 199 yards, 2 INT Top rushers
• CIN – Corey Dillon – 22 rushes, 92 yards
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 12 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers
• CIN – Peter Warrick – 7 receptions, 86 yards, TD
• HOU – Corey Bradford – 5 receptions, 53 yards

Week 10: at Tennessee Titans

First quarter

• TEN – Derrick Mason 13-yard pass from Steve McNair (Joe Nedney kick), 3:47. ''Titans 7–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 94 yards, 5:41.''''' Second quarter
• TEN – Joe Nedney 24-yard field goal, 7:54. ''Titans 10–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:36.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 51-yard field goal, 1:11. ''Titans 10–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 5:06.''''' Third quarter
• TEN – Shad Meier 17-yard pass from Steve McNair (Joe Nedney kick), 10:52. ''Titans 17–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 4:06.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – Jarrod Baxter 10-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 3:10. ''Titans 17–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 1:41.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 19/34, 182 yards, TD, 2 INT
• TEN – Steve McNair – 10/21, 109 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 18 rushes, 41 yards
• TEN – Eddie George – 25 rushes, 86 yards Top receivers
• HOU – JaJuan Dawson – 4 receptions, 75 yards
• TEN – Derrick Mason – 4 receptions, 47 yards, TD

Week 11: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

First quarter

• JAX – Stacey Mack 1-yard run (Tim Seder kick), 1:19. ''Jaguars 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:45.''''' Second quarter
• JAX – Kyle Brady 2-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Tim Seder kick), 10:20. ''Jaguars 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 96 yards, 1:44.'''''
• HOU – Corey Bradford 52-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 3:56. ''Jaguars 14–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:37.'''''
• JAX – Tim Seder 22-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Jaguars 17–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:55.''''' Third quarter
• JAX – Jimmy Smith 13-yard pass from Mark Brunell (Tim Seder kick), 12:50. ''Jaguars 24–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 27 yards, 0:15.'''''
• HOU – David Carr 2-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 1:25. ''Jaguars 24–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 4:12.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – David Carr 14-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 2:04. ''Jaguars 24–21. '''Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:14.''''' Top passers
• JAX – Mark Brunell – 15/25, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT
• HOU – David Carr – 22/30, 228 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• JAX – Fred Taylor – 13 rushes, 56 yards
• HOU – David Carr – 7 rushes, 33 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• JAX – Jimmy Smith – 6 receptions, 70 yards, TD
• HOU – Corey Bradford – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 40-yard field goal, 12:38. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 15:40.'''''
• NYG – Tiki Barber 2-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 3:45. ''Giants 7–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards, 2:22.'''''
• HOU – Matt Allen tackled in end zone, 0:26. Giants 7–5. Third quarter
• HOU – Jonathan Wells 1-yard run (David Carr pass to James Allen), 6:57. ''Texans 13–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:36.''''' Fourth quarter
• NYG – Amani Toomer 31-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Matt Bryant kick), 13:18. ''Giants 14–13. '''Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 12:02.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 50-yard field goal, 6:57. ''Texans 16–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 5:57.''''' Top passers
• NYG – Kerry Collins – 18/41, 214 yards, TD, 2 INT
• HOU – David Carr – 10/23, 103 yards Top rushers
• NYG – Tiki Barber – 20 rushes, 147 yards, TD
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 24 rushes, 68 yards, TD Top receivers
• NYG – Amani Toomer – 8 receptions, 113 yards, TD
• HOU – Billy Miller – 4 receptions, 70 yards The Giants entered the game at 6–4 looking for an easy victory over the expansion Texans. The first quarter was scoreless with miscues from both teams. Houston received the opening kickoff, but went three-and-out, punting the ball to end the drive. On the second play of the following drive, New York running back Tiki Barber fumbled the ball at the Giants 27-yard line with the ball being recovered by Houston linebacker Jamie Sharper. On the next drive, Texans' running back James Allen fumbled the ball and it was recovered at the New York 30-yard line by linebacker Dhani Jones for the Giants. The two teams would trade punts with the first points being scored by Houston kicker Kris Brown on a 40-yard field goal in the second quarter. The Giants would respond a few drives later with Barber scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run. The game's next scoring play would come late in the second quarter. New York long snapper Bob Jones fumbled the snap with the ball being recovered by punter Matt Allen, who was tackled in his own end zone for a safety with the Texans trailing 7–5 at halftime.

Houston's first touchdown of the game came in the 3rd quarter, with a 1-yard run from Jonathan Wells. The Texans went for two, with Allen catching a pass from David Carr to put Houston up 13–7 with 6:57 left in the 3rd quarter. The Giants' following drive ended with Matt Bryant missing a 33-yard field goal. New York would score on its next possession with a 31-yard pass from Kerry Collins to receiver Amani Toomer to the Giants up 14–13 with 13:18 left in the game. Houston responded on the next drive with a 50-yard field goal to take a 16–14 lead with 6:57 left. The Giants had three drives to respond, but Collins was picked off twice on back-to-back possessions with the last play of the game being a failed Hail Mary to give the Texans a 16–14 upset victory.

To this day, this remains the last time the Texans defeated the Giants.

Week 13: at Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

• IND – Mike Vanderjagt 31-yard field goal, 10:00. ''Colts 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:56.'''''
• IND – Marcus Pollard 16-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 8:55. ''Colts 10–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 16 yards, 0:08.''''' Second quarter
• IND – Mike Vanderjagt 46-yard field goal, 12:30. ''Colts 13–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 0:50.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• IND – James Mungro 1-yard run (kick failed), 8:38. ''Colts 19–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:51.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 34-yard field goal, 3:55. ''Colts 19–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 4 yards, 0:53.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 20/35, 137 yards
• IND – Peyton Manning – 15/28, 190 yards, TD Top rushers
• HOU – James Allen – 16 rushes, 64 yards
• IND – Edgerrin James – 20 rushes, 65 yards Top receivers
• HOU – James Allen – 10 receptions, 49 yards
• IND – Marvin Harrison – 9 receptions, 101 yards

Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

• HOU – Kenny Wright 40-yard fumble return (Kris Brown kick), 6:15. Texans 7–0.
• HOU – Aaron Glenn 70-yard interception return (Kris Brown kick), 2:30. Texans 14–0. Second quarter
• PIT – Jeff Reed 40-yard field goal, 0:25. ''Texans 14–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 2:28.''''' Third quarter
• PIT – Jeff Reed 31-yard field goal, 9:45. ''Texans 14–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:08.''''' Fourth quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 43-yard field goal, 3:40. ''Texans 17–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 0:17.'''''
• HOU – Aaron Glenn 65-yard interception return, 2:21. Texans 24–6. Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 3/10, 33 yards
• PIT – Tommy Maddox – 30/57, 325 yards, 2 INT Top rushers
• HOU – James Allen – 13 rushes, 19 yards
• PIT – Amos Zereoue – 11 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers
• HOU – Billy Miller – 3 receptions, 33 yards
• PIT – Antwaan Randle El – 8 receptions, 88 yards The Texans had one of the worst offensive performances ever in an NFL game, only having 47 total yards of offense while the Steelers had 422 yards. The Texans' defense forced five turnovers and scored three touchdowns. Pittsburgh quarterback Tommy Maddox threw two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns by Houston cornerback Aaron Glenn; Maddox also lost a fumble that was recovered by Texans cornerback Kenny Wright for a touchdown.

Week 15: vs. Baltimore Ravens

First quarter

• BAL – Matt Stover 22-yard field goal, 7:30. ''Ravens 3–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:50.''''' Second quarter
• HOU – Jonathan Wells 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 13:45. ''Texans 7–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 91 yards, 18:27.'''''
• BAL – Matt Stover 22-yard field goal, 12:00. ''Texans 7–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 0:43.'''''
• BAL – Travis Taylor 26-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Matt Stover kick), 2:00. ''Ravens 13–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 97 yards, 5:00.''''' Third quarter
• BAL – Chester Taylor 11-yard pass from Jeff Blake (Matt Stover kick), 7:30. ''Ravens 20–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:00.'''''
• HOU – Avion Black 76-yard punt return (Kris Brown kick), 0:59. Ravens 20–14. Fourth quarter
• BAL – Matt Stover 47-yard field goal, 9:00. ''Ravens 23–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:00.'''''
• HOU – Kris Brown 41-yard field goal, 3:40. ''Ravens 23–17. '''Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 2:21.'''''
• HOU – Team safety, 2:28. Ravens 23–19. Top passers
• BAL – Jeff Blake – 18/30, 228 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – David Carr – 19/34, 196 yards, 2 INT Top rushers
• BAL – Jamal Lewis – 20 rushes, 49 yards
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 14 rushes, 48 yards, TD Top receivers
• BAL – Travis Taylor – 5 receptions, 96 yards, TD
• HOU – Billy Miller – 8 receptions, 77 yards

Week 16: at Washington Redskins

First quarter

• HOU – Kris Brown 47-yard field goal, 7:42. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 10 yards, 2:06.'''''
• WSH – Rock Cartwright 12-yard pass from Patrick Ramsey (José Cortez kick), 3:33. ''Redskins 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:29.''''' Second quarter
• WSH – Houston penalty in end zone, 14:05. Redskins 9–3.
• WSH – Derrius Thompson 13-yard pass from Patrick Ramsey (José Cortez kick), 1:15. ''Redskins 16–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 1:57.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• WSH – Ladell Betts 3-yard run (José Cortez kick), 14:30. ''Redskins 23–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 12:19.'''''
• HOU – Kevin Williams blocked punt recovery, 9:46. Redskins 23–10.
• WSH – José Cortez 23-yard field goal, 2:54. ''Redskins 26–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:53.''''' Top passers
• HOU – David Carr – 12/31, 112 yards, INT
• WSH – Patrick Ramsey – 14/31, 190 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• HOU – Jonathan Wells – 15 rushes, 33 yards
• WSH – Ladell Betts – 20 rushes, 116 yards, TD Top receivers
• HOU – Corey Bradford – 5 receptions, 43 yards
• WSH – Derrius Thompson – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD

Week 17: vs. Tennessee Titans

First quarter

• TEN – Joe Nedney 28-yard field goal, 4:01. ''Titans 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:34.''''' Second quarter
• TEN – Joe Nedney 26-yard field goal, 2:56. ''Titans 6–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:48.''''' Third quarter
• HOU – Kris Brown 42-yard field goal, 1:19. ''Titans 6–3. '''Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 0:13.''''' Fourth quarter
• TEN – Eddie George 5-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 5:24. ''Titans 13–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:09.''''' Top passers
• TEN – Steve McNair – 8/22, 148 yards
• HOU – David Carr – 21/40, 214 yards, INT Top rushers
• TEN – Eddie George – 25 rushes, 102 yards, TD
• HOU – Jonathan Allen – 6 rushes, 20 yards Top receivers
• TEN – Drew Bennett – 2 receptions, 58 yards
• HOU – Jabar Gaffney – 6 receptions, 73 yards This was the Titans' first game to be played in Houston since December 15, 1996 when the team was known as the Houston Oilers.

Standings

Division

Conference

Statistics

Despite being in their first season, Football Outsiders calculated that the Texans were, play-for-play, the least successful team in the NFL in 2002. FO also stated that the 2002 Texans had the worst offense and third-worst run offense they have ever tracked.

Team

Individual

Source:

References

References

1. Sidhu, Deepi. (January 9, 2022). "with 11 starts under his belt, Houston Texans QB Davis Mills has now solidified himself as the leading rookie passer in franchise history with 2,664 yards.". Houston Texans.
2. Wilson, Aaron. (February 8, 2024). "Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud named Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after epic first season". [[KPRC-TV]].
3. "Texans Team History". [[Houston Texans]].
4. (January 3, 2001). "Owner: Texans won't hire coach until 2002". [[Amarillo Globe-News]].
5. "Dom Capers". [[Green Bay Packers]].
6. (January 15, 2002). "PLUS: PRO FOOTBALL; TEXANS HIRE FANGIO". [[The New York Times]].
7. (February 3, 2001). "Texans hire Palmer". [[Amarillo Globe-News]].
8. "2002 Roster". [[Houston Texans]].
9. (February 7, 2002). "Unprotected players for expansion draft". [[ESPN]].
10. (July 15, 2003). "Five-time Pro Bowler Boselli set to retire". [[ESPN]].
11. Pasquarelli, Len. (February 26, 2002). "Texans deal Wuerffel to 'Skins in first-ever trade". [[ESPN]].
12. "2002 Houston Texans draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
13. (December 8, 2002). "Texans turn to defense for all of their offense". [[ESPN]].
14. (December 29, 2002). "Titans seal first-round bye in playoffs". [[ESPN]].
15. −41.6 DVOA, [http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teameff2002 Football Outsiders: 2002 TEAM EFFICIENCY RATINGS]
16. [http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings/2012/dvoa-70-worst-teams-ever Football Outsiders – DVOA 7.0: Worst Teams Ever], from 1991–2011
17. "2002 NFL Team Total Offense Stats". ESPN.
18. "2002 NFL Team Total Defense Stats". ESPN.
19. "2002 Texans Statistics". Houston Texans.