Texans at Vikings: Earl Mitchell Set the Tone.

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) catches a touchdown pass over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Bobby Felder (31) during the second quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Greetings Texans Fans!

Let’s cover the first half, who stood out and made you take notice that he was serious bout some football. The man to start with of course, is Earl Mitchell. Three big plays for loss including taking down the QB for a sack, Mitchell was a monster. Randy Bullock stepped up with a little chip shot 48 yard field goal early thus maybe this season fans won’t have to look away when there is a kick on tap. DeAndre Hopkins… that over the back flying catch for a touch down was exactly what the Texans need to see week in week out. One other guy I’d like to mention is former wide receiver now line backer Willie Jefferson. He certainly showed he has the speed for what Wade Phillips wants out of a pass rusher so look for him to get more playtime over the preseason.

Now, let’s get serious. Dennis Johnson is a short guy, barely 5’8” but that man can hoof it out of the backfield. With the lingering concern of one Arian Foster, the Texans need to have some insurance in case it’s the “Ben Tate” show come opening week. Tate spelled Foster, who spells Tate should the need arise is going to dictate the pace of the Texans offense. Tonight’s performance by Johnson certainly was impressive. He also handled kick off return in college setting a few school records at Arkansas.

DJ Swearinger made a terrible bad angle tackle attempt that resulted in a touchdown and that was a good thing. If you’re gonna make a dumb rookie mistake, this is the time to do it. According to the sideline reporters on TV Danieal Manning came over to discuss the situation and DJ’s reaction was “I know what I did wrong, won’t happen again.” Perfect response, lesson learned and thus no concern there.

Where there is room for concern was the pass coverage. Minnesota yes gave up two interceptions, but there were too many quick passes and blown coverages leading to big yards. Something to watch for over the next two preseason games. Least Impressive player? TJ Yates. Lot’s of check down short completions. Perhaps that was due to the play calling, but just checking down to the tight end might be the smart play, the safe play… it’s also not a winning play in the long run. More airing it, take some chances TJ.

As for the back end of the first half and all of the second, I’ll just read about it as there were at least here in San Antonio… Technical difficulties thus I was unable to watch the entire game. So I’m going to do something different here and reach out to you my readers and ask who impressed you, and who disappointed you in this opening scrimmage to kick of the 2013 preseason.

Keep your browsers here to the Torotimes for all your Texans Needs.