Deshaun Watson played his first and only series of the preseason Saturday night in the win over Detroit, and he went largely untouched.
The Texans marched 75 yards in 11 plays and got a Watson-to-DeAndre Hopkins 4-yard touchdown pass to cap off the drive. There weren't any penalties, and perhaps most importantly, he wasn't sacked. Pass protection on the night was positive for him and for Joe Webb, III, as the backup was dropped just once on the evening for a sack. Watson was enthused by what he saw up front, and not surprised by the success.
"I just kind of encourage those guys, continue to push forward," Watson said. "We're all together, we're all one team, we're all one offense. I go as far as they go. We all have got to stay on the same page, and that's what we've been doing."
Houston was victorious, 30-23, over the Lions. The offense was able to grind out 168 yards on 38 carries, and 410 yards on the whole. Rookie Tytus Howard started at left guard and also played some left tackle, relieving starter Roderick Johnson. Several of the offensive linemen played on various spots up front against the Lions, and head coach Bill O'Brien emphasized the importance of flexibility.
"It doesn't matter if you're playing right or left in this day and age of pro football," O'Brien said. The head coach pointed out how defensive end J.J. Watt, and several other Pro Bowl-caliber pass rushers routinely line up across from the right tackle as opposed to the left.
Houston will have the day off Sunday, and face the Cowboys in Arlington next Saturday night.
Houston Texans fans come out to NRG Stadium for the first home preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
