Texans vs. Panthers: Offense starts slow again, trail 10-3 at the half

The game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers has been a defensive battle as neither offense has gotten much going through the first 30 minutes.

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Ryan Mallett started the game at quarterback and has had his ups and downs so far in the game. He has had several chances to hit receiver Nate Washington and has misfired.

One play saw Washington beat the Panthers defense deep and Mallett was escaping pressure on a roll-out and overthrew the receiver. Again just before the half on a third down play, Mallett missed an open Washington as the team was forced to punt.

The Texans scored the first points as kicker Randy Bullock hit a 43-yarder mid way through the first quarter to take an early 3-0 lead after a 13-play, 53 yard drive by the Texans.

Early in the second quarter, Carolina took the lead on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Ted Ginn, Jr. and then Graham Gano hit a chip shot 28-yard field goal late in the quarter to go up 10-3.

The offense overall has been shaky at best and needs to regroup at the half. Without running back Arian Foster, this team seems to be struggling to find their identity. The team known for having a tough running game has been anemic today, recording a sad 24 yards on 11 carries.

Running back Jonathan Grimes has been the leading receiver for the Texans in the first half as he has recorded 6 catches for 40 yards. In the second half Mallett needs to get the ball to DeAndre Hopkins more as Grimes as a receiver is not the key to beating any defense.

The team also lost tackle Jeff Adams, who is starting today due to a rash of injuries along their offensive line. He was carted off after suffering a right knee injury with just over a minute to go in the second quarter.