The Houston Texans dropped their first game of the year to
the Philadelphia Eagles this afternoon at Reliant Stadium by a score of 24-10.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb threw for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns, including one to
new Eagles WR Donte Stallworth.
The Texans started the game with picture perfect
precision. On the first play of the game, Texans QB David Carr threw to TE Jeb Putzier for a 26 yard reception. That may have been Putzier’s only reception on
the afternoon, but it started a 10 play drive that took the Texans 77 yards up
the field in just over 6 minutes, ending with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Carr
to WR Eric Moulds.
Watching that first drive of the game, Texans fans had real
hope. A hope that grew seemingly larger as the Texans defense controlled Philly
on their first possession, forcing a punt, and then FS Jason Simmons ended the
Eagles second possession by intercepting a pass from McNabb. Unfortunately,
that hope didn’t get a chance to last long, as a healthy Donovan McNabb proved
to be too much for the Texans secondary.
Donte Stallworth was picked up by Philadelphia during the
off-season from New Orleans, and after watching him today it seems that the
Eagles have chosen a good replacement for the cancer known as T.O. Stallworth
had 6 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown in his first game with
Philadelphia. "We had an idea of the caliber of athlete he was," McNabb said of
Stallworth on an NFL Wire Report. "We just kind of visualized what he could do
in this offense. This is just a start. What he was able to display today, we
have big-play capability."
The Texans offensive line also started the game looking
really good. But, reminiscent of seasons past, the Texans o-line gave up 5
sacks in their first regular season contest. These 5 sacks were more than the
Texans allowed during all of their preseason.
WRs Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds were the biggest
offensive producers for the Texans. Johnson caught 6 passes for 101 yards, and
Moulds ended the afternoon with 6 receptions for 68 yards and the Texans only
touchdown.
Several Texans rookies also did well in their first regular
NFL season game. MLB DeMeco Ryans led all defensive players with 13 tackles (12
solo). RB Wali Lundy ran the ball 11 times for 32 yards, and number one draft
pick DE Mario Williams made 3 tackles (2 solo).