HOUSTON – Larry Johnson broke the Chiefs’ rushing record with 211 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead Kansas City to a 45-17 win over the hapless Houston Texans.
The record was 200 yards, which Barry Word set in 1990.
The third-year player has gained more than 100 yards in both of his starts since Holmes was placed on injured reserve because of head and neck injuries.
Johnson got going in the first quarter when he slashed up the middle of Houston’s porous run defense and shook off four would-be tacklers before scoring on a 23-yard run to put Kansas City (6-4) up 10-0.
He extended the lead to 24-7 in the second period when he bulled in from 1 yard a play after Houston’s Phillip Buchanon was called for pass interference. That score was set up by a fumble by Houston receiver Andre Johnson.
The 211 yards were the most allowed to a single player in Texans history and the seventh time this season an opponent has gained more than 100 yards against the Texans’ league-worst run defense.
The Texans (1-9), who have looked slightly improved in recent weeks, were back to their old selves against the Chiefs.
They had only 129 yards at halftime to 292 by Kansas City, which piled up 31 first-half points a week after managing only three points in a loss at Buffalo.
David Carr threw an interception just before the break that Eric Warfield returned 57 yards for a touchdown. Carr was in position to tackle him before he reached the end zone, but instead stood with his arms outstretched and appeared to yell at his teammates to help.
He was 19-of-36 for 182 yards and fumbled twice despite being sacked a season-low one time.
Trent Green shook off last week’s three interceptions and completed 19 of 29 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns with one interception.
Houston started a comeback in the second half, scoring 10 straight points, but Eddie Kennison caught his second touchdown pass of the night in the fourth quarter to thwart that. Kennison scored on passes of 26 and 7 yards.
Rookie Jerome Mathis scored on a 99-yard kickoff return in the first quarter for Houston’s only points of the half.
AP-ES-11-20-05 2357EST
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