Texans rely on Williams

HOUSTON -- This is the Mario Williams the Houston Texans have been waiting for.

Last year’s top overall pick returned a fumble for a touchdown and had five tackles including two sacks to help the Texans to a 20-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Matt Schaub had a successful if a bit inconsistent debut in Houston, going 16 for 22 for 225 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The Texans led, 10-0, when Jamar Fletcher knocked the ball out of Kris Wilson’s hands, which Williams recovered. The 6-foot-7, 285-pound defensive end got up and rumbled 38 yards for the touchdown.

Linebacker DeMeco Ryans jumped on Williams to congratulate him, a far different celebration than last season when Williams endured endless criticism in part because the Texans passed on Reggie Bush and Vince Young to get him. Kansas City challenged the ruling of a fumble, but the call was upheld.

Both of Williams’ sacks came after halftime, the second a six-yard loss on second down inside the 20 that forced the Chiefs to settle for a field goal two plays later.

Quoteworthy: “I don’t really feel like I’m under any pressure. . . . I was drafted No. 1, but I was never really whoever else you might try to compare me to.” -- Mario Williams, Houston defensive end