SPORTS> North America
Houston Texans defeat Jacksonville Jaguars
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-02 14:29
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-17 in the Texans' first game on the nationally televised Monday Night Football broadcast since the franchise began in 2002.

Running back Steve Slaton scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to maintain Houston's buffer over the Jaguars, who threatened several times, but were only able to score two touchdowns late in the game against a tired Texan defence.

Jacksonville fell to 4-8 in a season that began with the Jaguars picked to be Super Bowl contenders.

The Texans moved to 5-7 and third place in the AFC South division, one spot above Jacksonville. The Texans next face the Green Bay Packers, who also have a 5-7 record.

Jacksonville will play the Chicago Bears (6-6) on Sunday.