The Houston Texans beat the Green Bay Packers by the final score of 26-7.
The Houston Texans came out on defense and made Jordan Love’s first few drives hellish with pressure, forcing a three-and-out to start the game. Tyrod Taylor found wide receiver Chris Conley three times on the first drive to get the first score of the game, a Kai’imi Fairbairn 37-yard field goal. Those two looked like they had been teammates for years.
The Texans had a 3rd and 1, and after Philip Lindsay had already gained 14 yards on a few carries, the Texans subbed David Johnson who failed to pick up the one-yard needed. That was a bad mistake by the Texans- it’s early in the game and preseason. So why not go for it?
That later translated to the Packers pulling ahead 7-3 on a Jordan to Kylin Hill screen pass. It was a great setup and the defensive totally forgot to recognize it in real-time. It was great to see Davis Mills rebound after a three-and-out and lead a scoring drive.
Scottie Phillips FOR THE LEAD 🙌
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 15, 2021
HOU 10 - GB 7 | 9:08 2Q pic.twitter.com/UGbvydQE7w
Set up by the defense turning over the Packers on downs, Mills had less than half the field to work. A big pass to rookie Nico Collins got them down to the 5, and Scottie Philipps punched it in a few plays later. The pass-to-run mentality served the Texans well in the first half. pulling ahead 10-7.
David Culley took the points, and the Houston Texans defensive line had a great showing
After a long drive in the 2nd quarter, the Texans faced a 4th and 2 inside the 20 of Green Bay. Culley sent Fairbairn out for a short 26-yard field goal. Once again, it was his first game, and taking the points is smart. Hopefully, that doesn’t develop into a full Mike McCarthy 2014 NFC title game-kind-of thing.
The defensive line continued pressuring Love late into the first half, highlighted by a strip-sack and recovery by the Texans (Mills threw an interception the next play). They added another fumble forced in the 3rd quarter. It’s early, but the returns from Lovie Smith’s line are paying dividends.
All in all, if there ever was a preseason upset then this would be it. Yes, we know it’s preseason, but this win for the Texans goes to show the NFL world how much the Houston Texans have come under Culley.