It's a new year for Texans but a new low

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View in browser END OF YEAR SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Start 2023 as a digital subscriber. Subscribe Today. Today's starting lineup It was Fan Appreciation Day for the Texans at NRG but Houston took a big step back after showing encouraging signs in recent weeks. The 31-3 loss to Jacksonville was one of the worst defeats of the season. Davis Mills and Pep Hamilton's offense never found a rhythm, casting  doubt on their future in Houston. And for Lovie Smith, the big loss doesn't help the coach's case for getting a second season. Jerome Solomon has the brutally honest report card. On a more uplifting note, TCU will be in the college football national title game. The Horned Frogs showed they can be just as physical as other teams in their win over Michigan. TCU will face Georgia's team full of high-profile recruits and NFL prospects, but it's the Bulldogs' 'unwanted' quarterback Stetson Bennett that was the key to win over Ohio State. And the Rockets face the Mavericks for the third time in 10 days on Monday at Toyota Center. Stat of the day: 0. Wins at home for Texans this season, the first time in team history they have lost every game at home.   Reid Laymance Sports editor reid.laymance@chron.com Texans / NFL   Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Solomon: Texans have a funny way of showing appreciation for fans Texans finished a winless season at home with a clunker of a loss to Jaguars   • Evidence. Have Texans seen all they need to know to make a decision on Pep Hamilton and Davis Mills? • Bad look. Texans coach Lovie Smith says he will be evaluated at end of season but losses like Sunday's blowout to Jacksonville don't help • Report card. Jerome Solomon grades the performances of the Texans' position groups and coaches in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. • Player spotlight. Jerry Hughes, Jalen Pitre and Ogbo Okoronkwo, Ka'imi Fairbairn have big plays but Davis Mills struggles • Top rookie. Jalen Pitre is the only player to record 125-plus tackles and five interceptions during his rookie season, per Elias Sports Bureau. • Road to No. 1. How the Texans can 'earn' the first pick in the draft. College Football   Photo: Rick Scuteri, Associated Press TCU ready for Georgia after flexing muscles in win over Michigan After showing a physical side in semifinal win over Michigan, TCU is ready for another challenge against No. 1 Georgia   • Most wanted. Surrounded by top recruits, the dogged Stetson Bennett hangs around and finds ways to win. Up next is TCU. • One more year. Texas DT T'Vondre Sweat will return for 2023 season. Rockets / NBA   Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Rockets vs. Mavericks: 5 things to watch The two teams meet again for the third time in 10 days and fourth time this season.   Worth a read   • They've rarely been good this year, but maybe the Bucs can still be great. (Tampa Bay Times) • Sure, the Patriots are in the playoff hunt, but does anyone think they're a good team? (Boston Globe) • Remember Pelé for who he was: A man who led change on the field, not off it. (Washington Post)   Sponsored Content   Shopping 18 gifts for Disney adults that are always dreaming about their next trip While they may not make it to the Disney parks every weekend, you can give them the gift of Disney this year during the holiday season.   Shopping 10 Houston Astros-inspired gifts guaranteed to hit a home run Fans of the World Series champs deserve some champion gifts this year.                 END OF YEAR SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Unlimited Digital Access Act Now No Commitment | Cancel Anytime Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2023 Hearst Communications