Decisive Fourth Quarter Surge
The Los Angeles Chargers secured a 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason opener at NRG Stadium on Friday, August 14, 2026. The game’s trajectory shifted significantly in the final period as Amar Johnson contributed two scores and DJ Uiagalelei orchestrated a scoring drive that effectively put the home team out of reach.
Houston took an early 7-3 lead late in the first quarter when Davis Mills found Jared Wayne for a five-yard touchdown pass. Chris Freeman’s extra point gave the Texans their only advantage of the night. However, Los Angeles responded before halftime with an Amar Johnson seven-yard rushing touchdown, capped by Cameron Dicker’s kick, to take a 10-7 lead into intermission.
Defensive Standoff in Middle Frames
The second half began with defensive intensity, as neither team scored during the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Chargers extended their lead on the strength of special teams play when Dicker successfully kicked a 48-yard field goal, making the score 13-7 heading into the fourth period.
Johnson and Uiagalelei Seal Win
The Chargers’ offense found its rhythm in the final frame. Amar Johnson broke away for a one-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion run by Johnson himself, pushing the advantage to 21-7. Later in the quarter, DJ Uiagalelei directed a driving strike to Devonte Ross for a three-yard touchdown.
