The Texans meanwhile will get another game of experience with Brock Osweiler under center. Arians didn’t have an update on Jenkins after the game. So far, the Texans’ offensive line has struggled which means the coaching staff will be looking for improvement against the Cardinals. After throwing two interceptions, his day is over. Clowney taking down Palmer is exactly the opposite of what the Cardinals want, and if it starts to happen it seems likely that Bruce Arians would pull his quarterback to get him out of harm’s way.
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For the second straight game, third-string quarterback Matt Barkley looked impressive at times while still showing signs of inexperience. With Arizona’s depth at pass-rusher, Okpalaugo may not be an every-down pass-rusher but he could fit in the rotation on third down or as a sub for Chandler Jones or Markus Golden. According to reports, Peterson injured his ankle during pregame warmups and did not dress. He got consistent run throughout the first half, playing alongside DeAndre Hopkins and Braxton Miller in a Houston offense that heavily relied on receivers. It was a non-contact injury.
The starting offense did well: Even though Houston was missing All-World, scratch that, All-Universe DE J.J. Watt, the Houston defense still boasts strong position players across their front seven. It was the second straight game in which Palmer had an interception returned for a touchdown after Brandon Flowers did it in last week in a 9-3 loss at San Diego. In addition to his touchdown catch against the Saints, the Texans’ 2016 first-round pick has hauled in five catches for 77 yards through the team’s first two preseason games. The defense looked like it was getting into regular-season form aside from the cornerbacks. This will be a fun test for the Texans on Saturday, as they will get a look at a team with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
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Palmer appeared disoriented for a moment as he lay on the ground, but was able to walk to the sideline under his own power. A mix of big pass plays and a few runs and the Cardinals were in the endzone.
