Photo credit, fanragsports.com
With time in the pocket, Savage making the most of it, running back Foreman and quarterback Watson continue to sparkle
Texans continue it’s impressive preseason run. As we take a look at evaluating its second preseason game of the young 2017 season. The Texans defense has lived up to its billing. No surprise there. It’s the offense, whose is making the impressive strides. Could this be a glimpse of what we can expect to see from the Texans?
Looking at the quarterback position, Tom Savage entered the game in his second start of this year’s preseason game as he did in the first, with a hot arm. Savage connected on 8-of-9 attempts for 98-yards and a touchdown. Watson, also continues to fair well.
Savage looks very comfortable running this offense and has taken advantage of the upfront protection the offensive line has provided, to find open receivers. In the first and only quarter Savage played, he threw completions to at least four different receivers with his primary target, Ellington, who helped the Texans move into the red zone early, after a pair of receptions.
Though some fans view preseason football as a scrimmage-warmup for the upcoming season, it was a pleasant sight to see a different outcome as the game ended with the New England Patriots falling, 27-23 to Houston at NRG Saturday night.
As usual most of the first team only played the first quarter. Which leads us to take a look at defensive leaders J.J Watt and Whitney Mercilus. The Texans have kept a careful eye on Watt, who is coming off a back injury that required surgery. Mercilus and Brian Cushion held its own in limited action, turning plays back toward other defenders.
Four forced turnovers also played a huge part in the win. Three fumbles and one interception.
Savage and the Texans came up empty on its opening drive, but the offense moved the ball. Three Ellington receptions coupled with a pair of New England mishaps pushed Houston down at the 12-yard line of New England. Patriots defensive end Kony Ealy’s jumped off sides, and linebacker Kyle Van Noy was penalized for driving Savage into the turf. Needless to say, as Houston faced fourth down, the drive eventually stalled after Lamar Miller was stopped four-yards short of the first down.
Patriots linebacker Harvey Langi aided the Texans second possession when he was penalized for illegal hands to the face. Savage, later found wide receiver Jalen Strong at the back of the end zone to complete a two-yard touchdown reception, as Houston grabbed a 7-0 lead after the extra point kick with 1:13 left in the first quarter which also finalized Savage’s evening.
Deshaun Watson entered the game in the second quarter before the Patriots took a 13-10 halftime lead. Watson finished the game 10-of-3 attempts with 102 yards passing and a two-yard rushing touchdown
After the first drive of the second half, Watson guided the Texans on two scoring drives. It all started with 5:58 left in the third quarter.
From the Texan’s 27-yard line, Watson threw a short pass to D’Onte Foreman, who turned the play into a 63-yard gain down at the Patriots four-yard line. Foreman advanced to the two-yard line on his next carry. Once Again, the young running back out of the University of Texas has shown his worth. Then, Watson finished the drive with a two-yard scramble with 4:12 left in the third quarter to give Houston a 17-16 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Foreman scored the game winning touchdown on a four-yard carry. Defensive back Denzel Rice’s 39-yard interception return set up Foreman’s touchdown.
Other impressive Texans were linebacker Tony Washington Jr., who forced a fumble when he sacked Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Houston regained possession of the ball at New England’s 23-yard line with 4:04 left in the third.
