Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals: 5 Bold Predictions (Offense)

Jul 26, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) throws a pass during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The first preseason game of 2014 for the Houston Texans will take place later this evening in Arizona as the Texans will take on the Arizona Cardinals in what hopefully is the beginning of something special for the Texans in 2014.

Graham Rogers gave his “5 Bold Predications” for the defense on Friday, so on game day here is are my predictions for the offense in what is the first preseason game of the season.

Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU running back Alfred Blue runs drills during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. One rookie to watch out for is running back Alfred Blue. Blue was drafted in the sixth round out of LSU. I say watch out for the 181st overall draft pick, because I really believe he’ll turn some heads this preseason and this is the start of that process. He will have a rushing touchdown in his preseason debut.

2. Case Keenum will make the Texans second guess their decision to pick a starting QB so early this offseason. I’m not saying Keenum is going to turn the NFL into his own personal play ground, but he’ll out-play the current starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, even though he’ll be getting more reps than Fitzpatrick in this game.

3. The Texans averaged 6.3 yards per play last season on offense. My prediction is the Texans have a higher number than that per play in this first week of the preseason, as they are in the offense of Bill O’Brien.

The way O’Brien’s offense is I believe the Texans can do some good things with the O’Brien offense … but what makes me question this prediction is do they have the personnel to achieve higher than 6.3 yards per play on offense.

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4. I’m not expecting a lot from Andre Brown in this game. I’m still worried how he’ll hold up with an NFL schedule. He’ll be the starter on Saturday (Arian Foster is already ruled out), but I don’t think this is the game where he’ll stand out above all the Texans running backs.

5. The Texans offense will score five touchdowns … three passing and two rushing.

This is going to be interesting to watch as the Texans take another step is forgetting what was a terrible 2013 season.

Give us your predictions for this preseason opener.