Preseason Game two wrap-up.
Aug 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Lestar Jean (18) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Case Keenum (not pictured) during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Greetings Texans Fans!
Last night’s preseason scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins helped to answer a few questions for the Texans, mostly good and a few more areas of concern. The Texans crowd was in full force and showing that Houston has one heck’va loyal fan base going on. Most importantly, aside leaving the game after just two catches, by all accounts DeAndre Hopkins was pulled more as a precaution then any real concern. Sadly for the Dolphins they may have lost a key component of their offense when tight end Dustin Keller was tackled by DJ Swearinger as he caught a pass. DJ came in low and hit Keller in the knee causing it to bend in an unnatural direction. He was carted off the field, here’s hoping it was not a serious injury and he recovers soon.
Speaking of DJ Swearinger, if there are any concerns about Ed Reed not being able to go as he recovers from hip surgery Mr. Swagger has laid them to rest. He might be a rookie, but he showed he’s ready to go, has the confidence and ability to get the job done. DJ had a great game last night and pretty much played the entire game. Wade Smith has plans for that young man, other teams should be very afraid.
The backup QB race is still TJ Yates to lose, but Case Keenum showed he’s really honed his knowledge of the Texans offense and his confidence was on display as he put a gem of a pass right on a racing LeStar Jean’s right shoulder pad for a 38-yard touchdown. He finished the night 11-of-18 and 150-yards passing. Keenum looked energized, confident and ready to go. TJ Yates came in through most of the rest of the game, was very efficient with 7-of-9 passing and 84-yards through the air.
Of course, the best sight of the night was the return of defense team captain, all around maniac on the field… Brian Cushing. He saw limited action in terms of number of snaps but he’s back. He proved he’s ready to go, and while he did miss what was almost a highlight reel sack of Ryan Tannehill it was just good to see him out there.
A young made by the name of Alec Lemon, undrafted wide receiver from Syracuse was very effective with his time as Case Keenum looked his way on a number of plays. It’s preseason, he’s undrafted but he made a case for staying around come September.
Ben Jones, starting in place of Wade Smith, who had his knee scoped after a training camp injury was less than stellar, getting beat on several plays. It wasn’t a good outing overall and he needs to step up his game. JJ Watt was limited to two snaps. Not that he needs time on the field.
Overall, a win even in the preseason is good. No serious injuries had, lots of positives for the team as they head into their next matchup against the New Orleans Saints on the 25th in what should be a most entertaining match up.
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