5 Takeaways from Texans preseason finale vs. Bucs

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Terrence Brooks #29 of the Houston Texans runs past Codey McElroy #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Tavierre Thomas #37 blocked a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter during a NFL preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Terrence Brooks #29 of the Houston Texans runs past Codey McElroy #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Tavierre Thomas #37 blocked a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter during a NFL preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Houston Texans
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans fell to Tampa Bay in the preseason finale.

Watching a game in person is always much different than on TV. One can see body language better, have a feel for how certain moments impacted the crowd, and the atmosphere can be more palpable when you have a seat with your name on it.

While in attendance for Saturday night’s preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium, countless things stood out while watching the Houston Texans fall 23-16 to end their 2021 preseason. The Texans failed to finish a perfect 3-0, but that’s okay. Playing the defending champions will always be a gut-check for your systems and scheme.

The Buccaneers offense didn’t miss too much of a beat- Tom Brady had surgical precision while operating at a hurry-up speed that made it look more of the “K-Gun” the 1990s Buffalo Bills used to run.

Head Coach David Culley has continued to rally this young team around him, and the fight the Texans displayed didn’t dissipate, no matter if it was the first, second, or third teams. Being down 16-2 at half is enough stress that could make anyone quit. Props to Culley and the rookies for fighting until the end.

With two weeks before the Houston Texans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the regular-season home opener, there is still time to reflect back on what the 2021 preseason meant to the Texans.

From the special teams, the unit blocked two kicks to the defense forcing four turnovers for the second time in a game this preseason. Here are the top five takeaways from Saturday night’s game.

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