Texans handle Jags

Dave Einsel, Associated Press

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson dived into the end zone for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis (27) defended Monday night.

By Kristie Rieken, Associated Press

Last update: December 2, 2008 - 12:34 AM

HOUSTON – Mario Williams had a season-high three sacks and forced a fumble and Steve Slaton ran for a pair of touchdowns to lead the Houston Texans to a 30-17 victory over the slumping Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night.
“Our defense played extremely well, gave us tremendous opportunities,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said.
Andre Johnson added a touchdown reception and Kris Brown kicked three field goals for Houston.
The top pick in the 2006 draft, Williams brought down quarterback David Garrard in the second, third and fourth quarters. He forced a fumble by Garrard on his last sack and Houston recovered on the
7-yard line.
Slaton scored on the next play to make it 23-3. The rookie tacked on a 40-yard touchdown run and finished with 130 yards rushing on 21 carries. He also had two catches for 52 yards.
Slaton, Williams and the rest of the Texans were clad in their “Battle Red” uniforms for their first Monday night game. The city hosted a Monday night game for the first time since Nov. 21, 1994, when the New York Giants beat the Oilers 13-10 at the Astrodome.
Williams, who has 11 sacks this season, thrived once again in the prime-time spotlight. In his only other night game, a Thursday night matchup against Denver last season, he finished with 3½ sacks.
Houston (5-7) isn’t where it hoped to be after finishing 8-8 last year. Jacksonville (4-8) has lost five of six.