It's tough to evaluate a preseason game. You don't play starters that much. The pressure isn't the same. Coaches don't coach the way they would in a win-or-else situation.
But as preseason games go, the the 18-17 win over Denver was about as good as it gets. From seeing A.J. Bouye pick off Peyton Manning to witnessing the maturation of Tom Savage, there was plenty to smile about.
The good:
Stopping Manning with the pick and marching down the field for a touchdown.
The defense coming up with key second half stops and keeping Denver off the scoreboard after the break.
Tom Savage hanging tough on the game winning drive, picking up key conversions and getting his team the lead.
Whitney Mercilus putting together a solid game with a sack and a half dozen tackles.
Young running backs Alfred Blue and Jonathan Grimes continuing to shine.
Penalties were significantly reduced and the team only racked up five.
Needs Work:
Manning erupted late in the first half. He'll do that but they have to minimize the huge plays.
In between Manning explosions, the Texans couldn't move the ball and had to punt back to a Hall of Famer.
The second team offense (or some version of it), led by Case Keenum had a beautiful 18 play, nearly ten minute drive stall and had to settle for three.
You'd love to know that the full offensive arsenal with Andre, Arian and the first team line, can all produce together for an expended period of time.
Overall:
The game against the defending AFC Champions showed that the Texans have plenty of fight in them but we just don't know how a full dose of JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and the offensive weapons would fare against such competition. And maybe that will play to the Texans advantage as they look to surprise Washington on opening day.
