Game story
In Week 3 of the 2006 NFL season on 2006-09-24, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Houston Texans, pulling away with a 31–15 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Carr (Houston Texans) paced the passing game, with +2.15 total EPA, and -5.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Brunell (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +17.58 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+11.4% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Washington Commanders changed the game: (10:06) (Shotgun) 8-M.Brunell pass to 26-C.Portis pushed ob at HOU 13 for 74 yards (23-D.Robinson).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 31 |
| Houston Texans | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 15 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Brunell · Washington Commanders · Passing · +17.58 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 2 A. Johnson · Houston Texans · Receiving · +10.79 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
- 3 L. Betts · Washington Commanders · Rushing · +6.81 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 4 C. Portis · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.54 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.77 EPA/play
- 5 A.Randle El · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.75 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.58 EPA/play
- 6 S. Moss · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.05 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 7 R. Dayne · Houston Texans · Rushing · +2.93 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
- 8 B. Lloyd · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.45 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.22 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Brunell — WAS · Passing
M. Brunell posted the highest total EPA (+17.58) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 31 counted snaps, they averaged +0.57 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.14 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (10:06) (Shotgun) 8-M.Brunell pass to 26-C.Portis pushed ob at HOU 13 for 74 yards (23-D.Robinson).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Houston Texans — M. Bruener (D. Carr pass)
- Washington Commanders — L. Betts
- Washington Commanders — A. Randle (M. Brunell pass)
- Washington Commanders — C. Portis
- Washington Commanders — C. Portis
- Houston Texans — O. Daniels (D. Carr pass)
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — J. Hall
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Houston Texans found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q1 56:38) — (11:38) 8-D.Carr pass to 87-M.Bruener for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q1 56:34) — 3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the HOU 9 (Q1 53:55) — (8:55) 46-L.Betts left tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q1 53:48) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost..
The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 14–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the HOU 23 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 8-M.Brunell pass short left to 82-A.Randle El for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q2 44:52) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the HOU 30 (Q2 30:09) — (:09) (Shotgun) 26-C.Portis up the middle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q2 30:01) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–0. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q3 20:46) — (5:46) 26-C.Portis up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the HOU 2 (Q3 20:35) — 10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost..
The fourth quarter: Houston Texans won the period 8–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the HOU 28 (Q4 14:55) — (14:55) 10-J.Hall 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q4 12:28) — (12:28) 8-D.Carr pass to 81-O.Daniels for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans registered a safety from the WAS 2 (Q4 12:21) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 36-R.Dayne rushes. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 55:06) — (10:06) (Shotgun) 8-M.Brunell pass to 26-C.Portis pushed ob at HOU 13 for 74 yards (23-D.Robinson).
- Houston Texans (Q1 56:50) — (11:50) 8-D.Carr pass deep middle to 80-A.Johnson pushed ob at WAS 2 for 53 yards (21-S.Taylor).
- Washington Commanders (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 8-M.Brunell pass short left to 82-A.Randle El for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 30:09) — (:09) (Shotgun) 26-C.Portis up the middle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 33:07) — (3:07) (Shotgun) 8-M.Brunell pass to 46-L.Betts to WAS 29 for 14 yards (30-J.Simmons, 20-D.McCleon).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Washington Commanders (Q1 55:06) — (10:06) (Shotgun) 8-M.Brunell pass to 26-C.Portis pushed ob at HOU 13 for 74 yards (23-D.Robinson).
- Washington Commanders (Q4 5:26) — (5:26) 31-R.Cartwright up the middle to HOU 18 for no gain (91-S.Payne). FUMBLES (91-S.Payne), RECOVERED by HOU-53-S.Orr at HOU 23. 53-S.Orr for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on HO
- Washington Commanders (Q2 30:09) — (:09) (Shotgun) 26-C.Portis up the middle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q3 16:58) — (1:58) 8-D.Carr scrambles to WAS 43 for 3 yards (94-A.Montgomery). FUMBLES (94-A.Montgomery), RECOVERED by WAS-64-K.Golston at WAS 39. 64-K.Golston to WAS 39 for no gain (87-M.Bruener).
Quarterback report card
D.Carr led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Carr (Houston Texans) · 33 dropbacks · 57.6% completion · -5.6% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +2.15 total EPA
- M.Brunell (Washington Commanders) · 31 dropbacks · 77.4% completion · +8.0% CPOE · +0.57 EPA/play · +17.58 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | Houston Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.243 | +0.027 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.1% | 47.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.567 | +0.065 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.119 | +0.040 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.027 | -0.243 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.3% | 48.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.24 vs +0.03), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Houston Texans: 9 drives, +1.78 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 9 drives, +21.41 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Washington Commanders leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- M. Brunell (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- D. Carr (HOU) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- M. Brunell (WAS) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q1 56:38 · WAS 2 · Score 0-6
(11:38) 8-D.Carr pass to 87-M.Bruener for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q1 56:34 · WAS 2 · Score 0-7
3-K.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.Pittman, Holder-7-C.Stanley. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q1 53:55 · HOU 9 · Score 6-7
(8:55) 46-L.Betts left tackle for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q1 53:48 · HOU 2 · Score 7-7
10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · HOU 23 · Score 13-7
(15:00) 8-M.Brunell pass short left to 82-A.Randle El for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 44:52 · HOU 2 · Score 14-7
10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 30:09 · HOU 30 · Score 20-7
(:09) (Shotgun) 26-C.Portis up the middle for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 30:01 · HOU 2 · Score 21-7
10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 20:46 · HOU 1 · Score 27-7
(5:46) 26-C.Portis up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 20:35 · HOU 2 · Score 28-7
10-J.Hall extra point is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 14:55 · HOU 28 · Score 31-7
(14:55) 10-J.Hall 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-71-E.Albright, Holder-4-D.Frost. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 12:28 · WAS 2 · Score 31-13
(12:28) 8-D.Carr pass to 81-O.Daniels for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans Safety (+2) — Q4 12:21 · WAS 2 · Score 31-15
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 36-R.Dayne rushes. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs Houston Texans?
The Washington Commanders beat the Houston Texans 31-15 in Week 3, 2006 on 2006-09-24.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs Houston Texans?
The final score was Washington Commanders 31, Houston Texans 15 (WAS 31-15 HOU) in Week 3, 2006 on 2006-09-24.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Houston Texans?
Q1: Washington Commanders 7, Houston Texans 7; Q2: Washington Commanders 14, Houston Texans 0; Q3: Washington Commanders 7, Houston Texans 0; Q4: Washington Commanders 3, Houston Texans 8; Final: Washington Commanders 31, Houston Texans 15.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Houston Texans?
Houston Texans touchdown — M. Bruener (D. Carr pass) (Q1 56:38) Washington Commanders touchdown — L. Betts (Q1 53:55) Washington Commanders touchdown — A. Randle (M. Brunell pass) (Q2 45:00) Washington Commanders touchdown — C. Portis (Q2 30:09) Washington Commanders touchdown — C. Portis (Q3 20:46) Houston Texans touchdown — O. Daniels (D. Carr pass) (Q4 12:28) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Hall (Q4 14:55, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Houston Texans?
D. Carr (Houston Texans), 57.6% completion, -5.6% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +2.15 total passing EPA. M. Brunell (Washington Commanders), 77.4% completion, +8.0% CPOE, +0.57 EPA per dropback, +17.58 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs Houston Texans?
M. Brunell (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +17.58 on passing plays. across 31 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.14 EPA): (10:06) (Shotgun) 8-M.Brunell pass to 26-C.Portis pushed ob at HOU 13 for 74 yards (23-D.Robinson).. The biggest win-probability swing was +11.4%.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W
Houston Texans
Entered 0-2 Now 0-3 L
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