Jets-Texans score: New York trails Houston at halftime, 17-7

The New York Jets lost a golden chance toward the end of the first half on Monday night, and head into halftime trailing the Houston Texans, 17-7.

The Jets punted to open the second quarter, and Arian Foster steadily marched the Houston Texans right back down the field, eventually punching it in on 13-yard touchdown run to put Houston ahead, 14-7.

Tim Tebow took the field for the Jets for first down and second down on the following drive, but exited once again in favor of Mark Sanchez. Sanchez was greeted by a chorus of boos as he ran onto the field. Neither quarterback could move the ball, as the Jets punted for the fourth time.

With around four minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the half, however, Sanchez got the offense moving. He connected with Jeremy Kerley on a 36-yard pass as a part of a 81-yard drive. But it ended in disaster. Texans defensive end J.J. Watt tipped a Sanchez pass that was then intercepted by cornerback Brice McCain with under a minute to play. McCain returned the pick 86 yards to the New York 9-yard line.

Matt Schaub was unable to connect on two pass attempts inside the Jets 10-yard line, and the Texans were forced to settle for a field goal as time expired in the half to take a 17-7 lead.