The whole point of preseason is to improve and learn what needs work. The Texans got better on Friday night, en route to a 20-12 win at Pittsburgh.
C.J. Stroud got the start. The offensive line in front of him was missing a few would-be starters but he was still able to mostly avoid contact and ended his night with a bang.
The evening began with the Steelers getting the ball and fellow Buckeye, Justin Fields guiding his team into Texans territory. But the first of two fumbled snaps helped thwart the threat and the Texans offense took over.
After a three-and-out by Houston, Pittsburgh went back to work. But another fumble and a Danielle Hunter sack stymied that possession, and it was time to capitalize.
You can call Hunter's sack the spark that began a complementary football sequence that gave Houston the lead and the upper hand. Tank Dell's 22 yard punt return, and a bonus five-yard penalty gave Houston field position at the Pittsburgh 36-yard line.
Moments later, Stroud would connect with Dell, who would shake off contact on his way to a 34-yard viral-highlight-worthy touchdown reception. The Texans grabbed the lead and never let go.
I said on the broadcast that we could 'bubble wrap' Dell until Indy. I'm sure DeMeco Ryans wouldn't agree. He wants everyone to get more work and get better before that crucial division showdown starts the season.
The Stroud-Dell connection was like a cool breeze on a hot Houston day. It was a fresh reminder of what this offense can and likely will be.
After that, the defense kept up the good work. Davis Mills came in to engineer two more scoring drives on the way to a 17-0 halftime lead. Mills showed excellent poise and creative play-making by keeping himself upright in couple of collapsing pockets to make drive-sustaining plays.
Dare Ogunbowale scored a touchdown and continues to show that he's a versatile and handy offensive and special teams weapon.
Cam Akers continued to flash, along with Steven Sims, Cade Stover and several others. Mario Edwards had five tackles and a half-sack. Eric Murray continued his positive preseason. And Brandon Hill, operating back in the building where he played his college ball at Pitt, nearly stole the show with a muffed punt recovery and a pick to seal the game.
Ryans will likely bring up over 100 rushing yards allowed as a get-better item. There were some chunky plays through the air, delivered by former Texan Kyle Allen. But the night belonged to the Texans and the game turned into another building block toward hitting the starting line as healthy and proficient as possible.
The Giants come to NRG next week, then it's practice with the Rams before the preseason finale August 24. Bottom line is that in two weeks from now, the preseason is over and Indy prep earnestly begins. This will go by faster than you can eat a Primanti Brothers' sandwich. Oh, and there's the not-so-small task of getting the roster down to 53.
But we'll talk about all of that on Texans All Access 6-7pm, Monday through Friday on Sports Radio 610. The 2024 Houston Texans are still under construction. We can see the building but there's still scaffolding on it. The picture clears up soon enough.
