Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The former Arkansas kick is competing for a roster spot with Dustin Hopkins, who played for Florida State.
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Strong, a rookie out of Arizona State, wound up as Houston’s leading receiver for the game with five catches for 40 yards.
Brian Hoyer sounded happy about his first recreation because the Houston Texans’ designated starter. New Orleans had 11 flags for 148 yards against Houston. Needless to say, the Houston Texans should get in the field with the New Orleans Saints with more prepared NFL stars and better gameplays and strategies if they want to at least dent the defense of the latter.
The final “dress rehearsal” of the third preseason game felt more like the first one.
Mallett was also outstanding in his time on the field on Sunday, going 9-of-17 for 77 yards and also a touchdown. “Every rep that I get, I’ve got to take advantage of it”. Can everyone in this room make the team?
Head coach Bill O’Brien acknowledged Thursday that Mallett missed practice but didn’t give a reason for his absence, telling reporters, “It’s just a personal issue for him”.
Texans will never admit it, but I guarantee U Mallett will be fined for oversleeping and missing practice. Hopkins somehow was able to catch the ball with one hand in the end zone, however an exchange between hands during the process of the catch is what ended up being the deciding factor in the non-touchdown ruling.
Adding to the quarterback’s woes is the fact that HBO is now filming the Texans’ preseason for the popularity football-based reality TV show Hard Knocks. “I think we have a long way to go as an entire offensive unit, myself included”. The only player I’ve seen provide that on a consistent basis has been Hau’Oli Kikaha. They probably keep two more lineman, but at this point, I have no idea who they would be. He completed all three of his attempts on his first drive, showing a burgeoning chemistry with Hopkins that will drive the Texans’ passing game this season.
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Saints quarterback Drew Brees is probably thankful that Jadeveon Clowney won’t play Saturday, as he continues to work his way back from microfracture surgery.
