Wherein we try to glean some insights from an ugly preseason game.
The Houston Texans have emerged triumphant with a 3-1 preseason record after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 17-15. The Texans got two touchdowns from fullback Troy Hairston and receiver Johnny Johnson III, augmented by an early 48-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn.
The Rams essentially scored two touchdowns and a field goal, but missed an extra point and failed a two point conversion.
The score, say it with me now, doesn’t matter.
And while it’s hard to get any kind of insight from watching backups and future grocery baggers scrape to make the 53-man roster, we’ll do our best. Because we love you.
Injuries
I don’t remember who on Twitter said the Texans got out of training camp relatively healthy, but I hold them personally responsible for today’s game. Multiple Texans were carted off the field, most notably Texans second year safety Brandon Hill, who just can’t seem to catch a break (pun not intended).
He was carted off the field early in the game, preceded by Kris Boyd also being carted off but joining the team on the sideline later.
Lonnie Johnson Jr. came up limping as well.
Penalties
Again, it’s hard to get too upset about the on-field results when most of these players are at best going to be backups on other teams, but getting dinged for nine (9!) penalties for 85 yards is just completely unacceptable.
The Texans struggled with penalties last season and it’s somewhat worrisome to see that happening again.
Cam Akers v. Dameon Pierce
It was nothing short of confounding to see Cam Akers out on the field today after seeing everything he’s done in the preseason so far, while Dameon Pierce didn’t even make a single run.
Either Dameon Pierce’s fate has been sealed already by his less than impressive preseason or the coaching staff is privy to something that we have yet to see on the gridiron.
Or Dameon Pierce has compromat on Cal McNair and is using that to secure a roster spot, to which I say Cal it can’t be that bad, just let it out.
John Metchie v. Xavier Hutchinson
At this point, it’s hard to tell, but I would give the slightest of edges to Metchie after today’s game for the WR4 spot. I think Hutch makes the team too, but just barely behind Metchie.
Here’s the quick and dirty breakdown for today’s game:
Not a ton of daylight between them except for the fact that Hutchinson played in the game longer than Metchie did.
All should become clear on Tuesday which is the official cut day for the league where every team has to slim down to their final 53-man roster.
The preseason is, thankfully, over.
Now the real game begins. Buckle your seat belts Texans fans. This year is gonna be fun.