Texans morning huddle:Texans win preseason debut
By Randy Gurzi
23-10 was the final score in the first game of the preseason for the Houston Texans. Neither Brian Hoyer nor Ryan Mallett played as long as I thought they would, but the team still looked very poised and ready to build on their 9-7 season from last year. Let’s jump right into the takes from last night’s contest.
Hoyer throws TD pass, helps Texans beat 49ers 23-10 – by BY Kristie Rieken AP Sports Writer
"Brian Hoyer made the most of his limited opportunity Saturday night.Hoyer threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Cecil Shorts III on Houston’s first drive in the Texans’ 23-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason opener for both teams.Competing with Ryan Mallett for the starting job, Hoyer also connected with DeAndre Hopkins for a 2-point conversion to give the Texans an 8-0 lead. Hoyer finished 2 for 4 for 67 yards.Mallett completed his first eight passes and was 10 of 11 for 90 yards, but the Texans didn’t score on any of his four possessions.Colin Kaepernick failed to move the offense on his only drive, going 1 for 3 for 14 yards before a punt.Mallett took over for Houston’s second drive and moved the Texans down to the 1-yard line before the offense stalled. Houston had eight chances to score after that thanks to a pass interference call, but couldn’t convert.Blaine Gabbert was 8 of 11 for 86 yards and a touchdown for San Francisco.Former Australian professional rugby player Jarryd Hayne, who was playing in his first NFL game, had a 53- yard run early in the second quarter. Hayne, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in March, burst through the line before juking a defender and dashing to the 13. Gabbert found Garrett Celek two plays later on a 10-yard touchdown pass to make it 8-7."
QB’s Have Strong Night In 23-10 Win Over 49ers – by Cody Stoots of CBS Houston
"The Houston Texans opened up their preseason slate with a win over the San Francisco 49ers 23-10 at NRG Stadium Sunday. The Texans quarterback battle didn’t see much time for comparison between Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer as Mallett played all but one series in the first half. Tom Savage took over in the second half leading the Texans to the win.Savage finished 8/14 for 97 yards and a touchdown. He also led the Texans to two 41-yard field goals in the second half by Randy Bullock.Brian Hoyer took the first snaps of the night and wasted no time impressing with his abilities. A Garrett Graham nine yard reception earned the Texans a first down after an Alfred Blue run for a yard. After an incomplete pass to Graham, Hoyer hit Cecil Shorts in stride across the middle as Shorts took it to the house.After the 58-yard touchdown, the Texans elected to go for two where Hoyer hit Deandre Hopkins for the conversion to lead 8-0.Hoyer finished the game 2/4 for 67 yards and a touchdown."
Texans rookie Chandler Worthy impressive in audition for return specialist job – by Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle
"Displaying a shifty, elusive style, Texans undrafted rookie wide receiver Chandler Worthy capitalized on his audition for the return specialist job.Worthy has a deceptive change of pace on his returns, varying his speed and moves as he decisively read his holes to pick up yards.Worthy averaged 17 yards on two punt returns. He also averaged 25 yards on two punt returns, including a long return of 30 yards.Signed in May as a free agent to a three-year, $1.578 million contract, Worthy was an accomplished returner at Troy (Ala.).The native of Griffin, Ga., had 1,919 total return yards, including two touchdowns with one 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He also caught 137 career passes for 1,767 yards and 11 touchdowns."
WATCH: Jaelen Strong grabs first NFL touchdown – by Sameer Bhuchar of 247sports.com
"Jaelen Strong only made one catch in his rookie debut, but he made it count.Early in the third quarter of the Texans’ preseason opener, Strong nabbed his first NFL catch for a ten yard touchdown. A fan at NRG Stadium captured the play from the stands. The lone catch was his only target of the night.Strong is expected to add to the Texans’ new-look receiving corps quickly. After coming into camp overweight and nursing minor injuries, the rookie receiver from Arizona State got back into playing shape, and it was apparent Saturday.The pass came from third-string quarterback Tom Savage, who played the entire second half."