The headline might read that the Texans lost to the Raiders on Thursday night but there were too many positives throughout the game for me to fret about the final score.
Forget about the 22-20 final and think of the true results, as we described them from the broadcast booth…
- The first team offense put together an opening scoring drive that featured a bit of everything, including big third down conversion passes from C.J. Stroud to Jared Wayne and Foster Moreau. Plus, Woody Marks shined behind a lively offensive line, with 37 yards on four carries, including a multiple tackle-breaking 20-yard TD run.
- That might have been enough but when Wade Woodasz took a Fernando Mendoza pass 80 yards for a pick-6, it was about as fun an August moment as you can get.
- Marlin Klein had 31 receiving yards, again. This time he did it on three catches.
- Kayden McDonald got his first sack, taking a step forward from week one.
- Jadeveon Clowney saw plenty of action and spent plenty of time in the Raider backfield.
- Kai Kroeger punted the ball well, with a 46.3 net, pinning four inside the 20. This was a good night for the special teamers.
- Rookies Lewis Bond and Daniel Sobkowicz had two catches a piece, as the Texans continue to explore depth at wide receiver.
- Ka'imi Fairbairn hit bombs from 57 and 51 yards – but that's barely noteworthy considering his prowess in kicking the long ball.
The score might say one thing, but this is preseason, where one must look within. I enjoyed seeing the Texans go up 7-0 and eventually 20-3. They answered more questions tonight and got closer to honing their game the way they need to for the opener on September 13.
One more joint practice and one more preseason game remain on the slate until the team brass huddles up and turns in an initial 53-man roster. Another busy week awaits as we get closer to officially recording the next chapter in Texans history.
