This was a fun one.

The Texans took the ball away five times and got their ground game in gear on their way to a 28-10 preseason decision over the New York Giants at NRG Stadium Saturday.

A three-and-out by the defense gave Houston the ball for an energetic trip down the field. C.J. Stroud hit four different receivers. Five, if you count an excellent out-route by Tank Dell that was called back. In a goal-to-go, DeMeco Ryans decided to go for it on 4^th and 6^th. But the team didn't make it.

It didn't matter.

Yes, the coach probably would take the points in the regular season but let's live a little. Not getting it meant that New York would have to operate from deep in their end of the field.

Two plays later, Derek Barnett was wrestling Daniel Jones to the ground. Jones tried to get rid of the ball but Jalen Pitre caught it and stepped into the end zone for six.

Later in the quarter, Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted a deep that was almost as pretty as any pick he's registered so far. At one point, well into the game, Jones' quarterback rating was 2.8.

2.8!

Stroud left at the end of the first quarter. The thing is, he left Case Keenum with a 3^rd and ten to deal with. That wasn't converted and the Giants got the ball, drove down the field on the 'two's' and punched it in the endzone.

Keenum and company took the ensuing kickoff and marched 79 yards for the go-ahead-for-good TD on a drive that featured a steady diet of Cam Akers and three catches and a TD by John Metchie III, who had a nice coming out party with six grabs total for 68 yards.

If you were wondering what Metchie's situation is, take note that Saturday afternoon's game showed you just what the coaches and his teammates knew he was capable of. And we're just getting started.

I knew VanderKid did the right thing when he immediately created a Metchie jersey upon him being drafted in 2022.

A late Giants first-half field goal gave way to defensive struggle in the third quarter, including a combined six punts.

But the fourth frame was all about the Texans taking control. Tim Boyle was sharp. And the running game clicked, to the tune of two touchdown runs by undrafted rookie British Brooks.

The defense ate big, forcing three fumbles.

This wasn't a perfect outing but it was another solid step toward the regular season. Sure, you'd love to see the first team offense run the ball better and score. But you know there will be some wrinkles and more spice in the broth when the games count.

If you wanted separation in the roster battles, you might have to wait. There seems to be more options than ever. You never know what the coaches think but this should be classified as a 'luxury problem.'

For now, it's off to the final week of camp. The L.A. Rams are here Thursday for a joint practice and the finale on Saturday. Stay tuned to Texans Radio (Weeknights 6-7 PM – and podcasts) to hear us chop it up about what's going to happen when the cuts come. Never a dull moment.