Last night the Houston Texans demonstrated a sample of what
fans can expect for the 2006 season as they out scored the Kansas City Chiefs
14-24 at Reliant Stadium in the first preseason game of the year.
With this victory, the Texans have won their first
preseason opener since 2004 when Houston defeated the Dallas 18-0.
Houston started the game going 4 and out after being unable
to convert a Third and 1 situation. The second drive put together by the Texans
lasted just over seven minutes and went a total of 65 yards for a touchdown.
Rookie RB Wali Lundy finished the drive with a three yard run up the middle and
into the endzone, putting the home team in front 7-0.
Kansas City answered back in the second quarter, but second
string quarterback Sage Rosenfels was able to march the Texans 65 yards
downfield in 8 plays, culminating with Rosenfels running it around the right end
5 yards and a touchdown with only 2 minutes left to play in the first half.
The Texans had a great opportunity to score with a reverse
around the left end that sent rookie WR David Anderson 11 yards for a
touchdown. Unfortunately, the touchdown was called back due to a holding call
on Derrick Lewis. The only score in the third quarter came just after that from
Kris Brown with a 22 yard field goal.
Heading into the fourth quarter, hopes were running high in
Reliant Stadium as the Texans held a 17-7 lead over the Chiefs.
In the forth quarter the offense was handed to QB Quinton Porter. The Texans put together a scoring drive early in the quarter. The
drive lasted 7:40 and took the Texans 71 yard in 13 plays. Rookie RB Damien Rhodes went behind the left guard for a 4 yard touchdown run, stretching the
Texans lead even further.
The Chiefs were finally able to get one final touchdown
past the Texans defense to end the game with a Texans victory.
After the game, Coach Kubiak commented on how he felt about
the contest, saying “I like how hard we played. I thought we were still pretty
sloppy at times. I think the coaches probably needed this preseason game more
than anybody. I expected them to play hard and they did.”
The Texans rookies did very well in their first live
contest in the NFL. 6th round draft pick RB Wali Lundy rushed 9 times for a
total of 59 yards and a touchdown, leading the team in rushing. His longest
rush came on his first play in the NFL where he carried the ball 25 yards
downfield. 2nd round draft pick LB DeMeco Ryans made 6 tackles – 4 solo,
leading for most tackles on the team for the night. 7th round pick
TE Owen Daniels made 4 receptions for 29 yards, and led the team in receptions
and receiving yards.
First overall draft pick DE Mario Williams commanded double
teams in his first game. “I was really excited,” Williams said. “I think
should have calmed down just a little bit.”
The Texans offense set numerous preseason franchise records
last night, including most touchdowns in a preseason game. The offense also
allowed no sacks the entire game for only the second time in franchise’s
preseason history.
The Texans defense also did pretty well, taking down the
Chiefs’ quarterbacks a total of 5 times and recovered a fumble. They also only
allowed the opposing offense a franchise low of 172 yards.
This year, it seems the Texans are prepared to win under
new Head Coach Gary Kubiak. With his style of offense and the support of his
coaching staff, the Texans are poised to have their best season yet.