Texans First-Half Report vs. Saints

Aug 25, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With a majority of the Houston Texans’ starting lineup playing the first half, what were your thoughts of the first 24 minutes of the Week 3 preseason game vs. the New Orleans Saints?

One of the best parts of the Texans’ first half was the play of running back Ben Tate. Tate looked “regular season ready” for Houston, as he was the starter in the absence of Arian Foster.

Tate stood out with a 39-yard run, which eventually led to a short-yardage touchdown on the Texans’ second drive of the game. Tate finished the first half with 11 carries for 74 yards and one touchdown.

Another plus on offense was the play of quarterback Matt Schaub.

The two-time Pro Bowler led an almost perfect two-minute drill on the final drive of the first half, taking the Texans from their own 20-yard line to the position for a field goal, for a 17-16 score in favor of the Saints.

In the first half, Schaub was 15-of-26 for 213 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. At least two passes to receivers bounced off their hands, but overall, for a first half the QB couldn’t have asked for much more from his receivers.

Andre Johnson did what he always does, which is catch the football finishing the first half with seven receptions for 131 yards.One of his receptions went for 39 yards. Owen Daniels was also dependable with a four-catch, 47 yard performance in the first two quarters, as his best catch went for 21 yards.

Second tight end Garrett Graham had three receptions for 27 yards and Keshawn Martin had one catch for eight yards.

Defensively the Texans gave up 17 points, allowing 245 total yards in the first two quarters, including a late short-yardage play.

The Texans finished with 281 total offensive yards with 15 first downs.