Playing ugly is one thing.
Winning ugly is another.
For the second straight game, the Denver Broncos played ugly. But Sunday against the Houston Texans, they were able to come away with a 16-9 win.
The victory evens the Broncos record at 1-1. The Texans are 0-1-1.
The only touchdown of the game came when Russell Wilson threw a 22-yard tight end to tight end Eric Saubert with 12:42 left and gave the broncos a 13-9 lead. The scoring pass capped a six-play, 76-yard drive.
Brandon McManus hit field goals of 20, 24 and 50 yards.
The Broncos lost wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to a rib injury and cornerback Patrick Surtain to a shoulder injury during the game. They did not return and head coach Nathaniel Hackett did not have an update on their conditions after the game.
The Broncos continued to have trouble getting plays in on time, the committed 13 penalties for 100 yards, including two penalties on when they lined up to attempt a field goal. And the offense again sputtered in the red zone.
But they did enough to get the win. They outgained the Texans 350 yards to 234. And they outrushed Houston 149 yards to 80.
Denver running back Javonte Williams rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries while Melvin Gordon had 10 attempts for 47 yards.
Quarterback Russell Wilson finished 14-of-31 passing for 201 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The Broncos will look to correct their mistakes before they host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football. Coverage on KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM begins at 12 p.m. MDT on Sunday, September 25.
MORE ON THE BRONCOS WIN HERE
Check out KOA postgame interviews after the Broncos win over the Texans: