Rookie quarterback, Watson catching on quick
How would you evaluate the Texans in its first preseason game of the 2017 season? After all, preseason brings about new players From a general perspective, the Texans graded out with a B. General thoughts of course.
Despite losing, 27-17 to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Texans offense showed promise.
Let’s face it, it was by no means perfect, but it was definitely good to see more offense and a bright spot at the quarterback position. On the down side, the offensive line could use a helping hand without the services of left tackle Duane Brown and additional blankets in the secondary.
Veteran Tom Savage played one series, completing 9-of-11 for 69 yards and no interceptions. J.J Watt took the field in limited action, playing all of five downs before returning to the sideline. And most, if not all of the starters were done by the end of the first quarter.
But some fans would say the game got going in the second quarter after Texans first round draft pick, quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the game. Overall, his first NFL showing glittered. Watson, who finished 15-of-25 with 179 yards and a rushing touchdown, showed pocket presence while spotting targets all over the field. At times he missed open receivers, but seeing live NFL action in his first outing, seems to be a challenge bigger his days at Clemson. Watson also faced heavy pressure at times. However, he held his own.
Alfred Blue got the Texans on the board with a hard nose 16-yard touchdown run as Houston trailed, 7-6 before tying the game on Nick Novak’s extra point kick.
The Carolina broke up the tied score. Entering the second quarter, Panthers quarterback Joe Webb threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to receiver Damiere. That made the score, 14-7, following its extra point kick. Byrd would impose his will on the Texans once again when he reeled in another touchdown pass to help Carolina build a 24-10 lead second half.
Later, fans watched Watson, who helped Clemson upset Alabama, 35-31 in last year’s college football national championship game, complete five consecutive passes in the third quarter. The drive resulted in 25-yard touchdown scramble by Watson, who showed his dual threat ability. One thing for sure, Savage won’t have time to look over his shoulder.
Other players who had promising showings, were running back D’Onta Foreman. The 6”1”, 233-pound bruiser out the University of Texas enjoyed some tough running up the middle and off the edges. Foreman picked up two tough yards, while the Texan faced third and one midway through the third quarter. Later, he showed off his speed and athleticism when he hurdled a defender and rumbled 41 yards down field to give Houston a fresh set of downs.
Not a bad day for the rookie who rushed for 79 yards on nine carries.
Rookie tight end Evan Baylis, made up for a fumble after suffering a jarring hit when he reeled in a pair receptions from Watson, resulting in a pair of first downs.
The Texans will have ten days to prepare its next opponent, the New England Patriots on Saturday, August 19th at NRG Stadium.