‘A bad play, my job is to protect the ball,’ how a rare fumble by Dare Ogunbowale proved costly in Texans’ loss to Rams

LOS ANGELES – Despite all of the calamity, the injuries, the botched tackles, coverage breakdowns and way too many penalties, the Texans had a legitimate shot to win a football game Sunday.

A costly and rare fumble by traditionally surehanded running back Dare Ogunbowale derailed a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter in a 14-9 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

Instead of transforming a lackluster performance into a victory, Ogunbowale fumbled the football one play after his catch-and-run got the Texans into position to potentially take the lead.

After quarterback C.J. Stroud connected again with Ogunbowale over the middle, Rams linebacker managed to punch the football out of Ogunbowale’s hands at Los Angeles’ 18-yard line. Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske po