Hines-Allen hit Stroud as he threw.
“I saw an opportunity and we ended the game the right way,” Hines-Allen said.
The Jaguars’ defense allowed 271 total yards and 13 first downs, registering two sacks and forcing three turnovers – with all takeaways in the fourth quarter and all inside the Jaguars’ 20-yard line.
“The defense kept us in it,” Coen said. “They played their tails off.”
Coen added that the victory was about “finishing the game the right way.”
“It was not pretty, and it was not for us offensively,” Coen said, “but we should take a ton of confidence from this. We have to play better, but I’m really proud of this group and the way they competed and finished this game.”
The Jaguars moved to 2-1, unbeaten in two home games, and remain one game behind the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts (3-0). The Texans, the two-time defending AFC South champions, are now 0-3.
Stroud’s 50-yard pass to wide receiver Nico Collins tied the game early in the fourth quarter and came one play after Texans cornerback Jalen Pitre intercepted Lawrence, who threw into coverage to wide receiver Parker Washington on third-and-10 from the Jaguars 33.
The Texans had a chance to take their first lead on their ensuing possession, but Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell stripped the ball from Collins and linebacker Devin Lloyd recovered to give the Jaguars possession at their 17 with 3:47 remaining.
The Jaguars drove 83 yards on seven plays for Etienne’s touchdown on the ensuing seirs.