HOUSTON -- Brock Osweiler was supposed to be the man to end Houstons years of quarterback woes. Instead, hes thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (12) and has often failed to move the offense.So now the question for the Texans (6-5) is if Osweiler can improve and help Houston secure a playoff berth? Osweiler threw three interceptions on Sunday against the Chargers as Houston lost for the second straight week. Despite their recent tough stretch the Texans remain one-half game ahead of Tennessee in the AFC South.Coach Bill OBrien scoffed at the notion of benching Osweiler on Sunday and refused to criticize his quarterback on Monday. He also lamented that quarterbacks and head coaches take the brunt of the criticism when teams are struggling.Could Brock have done some things better? Absolutely, OBrien said about Sunday. Could the offensive line have played better? Could I have coached better? Absolutely. Its a team sport. Brock is our starting quarterback and thats the way it is.He wasnt interested in breaking down the play of his quarterback, snapping when asked areas in which Osweilers made progress and places he needs to improve.Im not going to dissect ... each player (and) what areas they need to do a better job in, he said. I mean, we could be here all day. Every player on our team -- we have a great locker room. Theyre all looking to improve in any way that they can.Though OBrien blamed Houstons offensive struggles on a variety of things, including his coaching, the numbers paint a clear picture of Osweilers trouble. Expectations were high for Osweiler when Houston signed him to a $72 million contract this offseason to lure him away from Denver. Hes had moments when hes looked good, but his inconsistent play has made it difficult to understand why the Texans invested so much in him.Houston ranks 31st by averaging 195.9 yards passing a game and Osweilers 13 interceptions are tied for most in the NFL. He hasnt had much success throwing downfield and has completed just two passes of 40 yards or longer. His 22 completions of 20 yards or longer are tied for 28th in the NFL. Hes averaging just 5.8 yards a completion, which is not much more than running back Lamar Miller is averaging a carry (4.2).Osweiler has one of the worst passer ratings in the NFL among starters at 72.2. His rating isnt even close to the likes of Tom Brady (116.7), Matt Ryan (114.3) or even Dallas rookie Dak Prescott (108.6).While OBrien downplayed Osweilers role in Houstons loss to the Chargers, the quarterback was quick to accept blame for letting the game get away.Obviously, (Sunday) did not go the way we wanted it to, Osweiler said. Im going to put that on my shoulders. I believe our team played great football, but I did not. I know we can accomplish what we want to, and well keep plugging away.Despite his acknowledgment that his play was a big reason for Sundays loss, his teammates remain confident in his ability to help Houston wrap up a second straight division title.No matter whats being said about him outside of here, he comes in with the same attitude and the same positivity every day, left tackle Duane Brown said. So, hes a great leader. We definitely have a lot of confidence in him.Osweiler and the Texans get their next chance when they begin a two-game stretch on the road with a trip to Green Bay. Theyll look to win just their second road game this season when they meet the Packers after losing four of five away from Houston so far.---For more NFL coverage: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFLAdidas Ultra Boost Baratas . Calgary scored on the first shift, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice as the Flames cruised to a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Adidas NMD Rebajas . -- Ken Appleby made 32 saves for his first shutout of the season to lead the Oshawa Generals to a 2-0 win over the Belleville Bulls on Wednesday in Ontario Hockey League action. http://www.baratasnmd.com/adidas-continental-80-baratas.html . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Adidas Ozweego Baratas . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. Adidas NMD España . -- Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings were back at practice for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday despite being hampered by hamstring injuries.TORONTO -- This wasnt the way the Blue Jays wanted to control Aaron Sanchezs innings.David Ortiz drilled a three-run homer, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Hanley Ramirez also connected, and Boston outslugged Toronto 11-8 Sunday, reclaiming a two-game lead over the Blue Jays in the AL East.Edwin Encarnacion homered twice and Troy Tulowitzki hit his third career grand slam, but the Blue Jays couldnt force a tie in the standings. Toronto and Baltimore are tied for the lead in the wild-card race.It just didnt go our way today, Tulowitzki said. Theres a lot of time left.Sanchez allowed six runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out two and walked four.The right-hander said he struggled for most of the game with a blister on his middle finger, something thats bothered him on and off this season.I dont want to make excuses, the 24-year-old Sanchez said. Ive got to find a way to get deep in the game. Today was ugly. Obviously (the blister) didnt help.Manager John Gibbons said Sanchez likely will be skipped the next time through the rotation to let his finger heal and limit his workload in his first full season as a starter.Sanchez has allowed three home runs in his past two starts after giving up one homer in his previous 50 innings.Sanchez wasnt himself today, Tulowitzki said. But hes still our guy.Ortiz put Boston up 10-8 with a drive off Joaquin Benoit. It was his 41st career home run at Rogers Centre, his highest total at any road stadium.Toronto is a very nice place to play baseball and a beautiful city, Ortiz said. Its always a pleasure to come here.With his 535th homer, Ortiz moved past Jimmie Foxx into sole possession of 18th place on baseballs career list. He also increased his RBI total to 110, the most by a player age 40 or above since Dave Winfield had 108 for Toronto in 1992.Were somewhat in awe of what David is doing in his final run, Red Sox manager John Farrell said.Starter Clay Buchholz said Ortiz is having a hell of a going away party.Toronto finishes the regular season with three games at Fenway Park.dddddddddddd.Obviously we cant sit back and relax, Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia said. We know our division is good.Robbie Ross Jr. (3-2) got two outs for the win. Craig Kimbrel, the ninth Boston pitcher, worked the ninth for his 25th save.Toronto also used nine pitchers.Gibbons was ejected in the ninth after the umpires ruled Russell Martins double into the right field corner, initially ruled fair, had landed foul. Toronto challenged, but the call was confirmed. Martin later struck out.Encarnacion hit a solo home run off Buchholz in the first, singled and scored in the third, and then hit a two-run shot off Heath Hembree in the fourth. It was his fourth multihomer game of the season and No. 25 for his career. Encarnacion has 39 home runs and leads the AL with 115 RBI.After Martin walked on four pitches with the bases loaded in the fourth, Tulowitzki hammered Buchholzs first pitch for his 23rd home run.Boston tied it at 6 and chased Sanchez on a two-run single by Bogaerts, but Toronto answered with Encarnacions second homer in the bottom half.After Ramirez cut it to 8-7 with a drive to deep center in the fifth, Bostons Brock Holt tried to steal home but was thrown out by reliever Aaron Loup.TOUGH TIMES FOR MVPTorontos Josh Donaldson is hitless in seven straight games, a career-long slump. Hes 0 for 23 in that span.SEPTEMBER SPECIALAll three of Tulowitzkis career grand slams have come in September.UP NEXTRed Sox: LHP David Price (15-8, 3.87 ERA) seeks his seventh straight win as Boston returns home for a three-game series against Baltimore. LHP Wade Miley (8-12, 5.49 ERA) starts for the Orioles.Blue Jays: LHP Francisco Liriano (7-12, 5.27 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series against Tampa Bay on Monday. Liriano last started Aug. 26 against Minnesota and has made two relief appearances since. RHP Jake Odorizzi (9-6, 3.86 ERA) starts for the Rays. ' ' '
