11 August 2023 , 14:00
669
0
The Houston Texans emerged victorious in a defensive showdown against the New England Patriots in their preseason game.
However, it was not a smooth debut for the Texans' new franchise quarterback, CJ Stroud. Stroud struggled with just four passing attempts, throwing an interception and taking a costly sack.
The Patriots' backup quarterback, Bailey Zappe, failed to impress with only 79 passing yards and no touchdowns. Kayshon Boutte, a wide receiver for the Patriots, was held to just seven yards despite high expectations from training camp reports.
In contrast, Malik Cunningham, an undrafted rookie quarterback for the Patriots, showcased his arm strength and mobility with an impressive throw that unfortunately ended in a dropped catch. Davis Mills, the Texans' backup quarterback, provided a much-needed boost to their offense when he replaced Stroud.
Finally, Tank Dell, a rookie wide receiver for the Texans, displayed his skills with 65 receiving yards and a touchdown. The game was characterised by strong defensive performances from both teams, reports the Express US.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
The defenses were able to stifle the opposing offenses throughout the game. Despite Stroud's struggles, the Texans managed to secure a 20-9 victory over the Patriots.
The performance of Stroud was disappointing considering the Texans invested future picks to select him as their franchise quarterback with the second overall selection in the NFL Draft. His limited playing time did not provide much opportunity for redemption, as he looked uncomfortable and out of sync during his debut.
The interception and sack he suffered further added to his rough start. Zappe's performance for the Patriots also fell short of expectations. With starting quarterback Mac Jones resting for the game, Zappe had a chance to make a case for himself as a potential starter.
However, his performance lacked impact, with only 79 passing yards and no touchdowns. Boutte, who had received praise during training camp, failed to make a significant impact in the game. Patriots fans were hoping to see him shine, but he was held to just seven yards.
On the positive side, Cunningham displayed his potential with an impressive throw on the move. Despite the dropped catch by a Patriots receiver, Cunningham showed glimpses of his ability, both as a passer and a runner.
Mills, who replaced Stroud for the Texans, provided a spark to their offense. The Texans' offense looked more comfortable and fluid under Mills' guidance and his solid performance will undoubtedly put pressure on Stroud as they compete for the starting quarterback position.
Dell lived up to the hype - with comparisons to DeSean Jackson, he showcased his speed and route-running skills. He consistently found open spaces on the field and finished with 65 receiving yards and a touchdown.
This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up Mirror.co.uk 's editorial research. A content editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected].