Defense shines as the Texans win 28-10 vs NY Giants in first preseason home game

Written by Maanav Gupta, SFL Staff Writer | Photo by: Brian "Big Sarge" Barefield 

After a long and highly anticipated wait, Texans football is back in H-Town.  The Houston Texans played their first game at NRG Stadium since their incredible 45-14 wild card playoff win over the Cleveland Browns last season and it showcased a strong performance from Demeco Ryans defense, with two interceptions and a three forced fumbles, including a pick six from third year safety from Baylor, Jalen Pitre. 

Texans wide receiver John Metchie, who overcame cancer, caught his first touchdown of his NFL career, a three yard pass from backup Case Keenum. The Alabama product had a great day with six catches for 68 yards including the TD and struck his signature “Crimson Crane” pose. 

Houston’s starters played the first quarter and star second year QB CJ Stroud connected early with wideout Stefon Diggs to convert a third down. Stroud ended up with a productive afternoon, but no touchdown pass with 7/10 passing for 88 yards. Nico Collins, fresh off a big contract extension in the offseason, had 24 yards on his one reception, with signature run after catch. 

In the running game, Joe Mixon was unavailable still recovering from an injury. Dameon Pierce was not able to make much happen, but recently signed free agent Cam Akers put together six carries for 29 yards. Undrafted free agent from North Carolina, British Brooks had a breakout performance with five carries for 29 yards and two fourth quarter touchdowns of 6 yards and 15 yards respectively to put the game away. 

The Giants had three fumbles in the final 15 minutes. Max Tooley forced the first fumble which was recovered by Lonnie Johnson, who signed with the Texans again back in March. Linebacker Neville Hewitt forced and recovered the second fumble which resulted in a touchdown. Texans defensive end Solomon Byrd forced a sack fumble on Giants backup QB Tommy Devito which was recovered by Malik Fisher. 

Texans fans have to be pleased with the defense, and how the first team offense moved the football in the first quarter. The Texans final preseason game is next Saturday vs the Rams at 12 pm in NRG Stadium.