Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) celebrates with teammates after a play in the first quarter against the New York Giants at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas, USA. Credit: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
Welcome to Houston, Stefon Diggs. Let’s hope Saturday’s game is the start of something good.
Diggs, acquired as the star of the Texans’ offense, caught a nine-yard pass from C.J. Stroud for a first down in a 28-10 win over the New York Giants at NRG Stadium.
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection while with the Buffalo Bills, recorded just one catch, but it was enough to push Houston into New York territory.
Jalen Pitre and Derek Stingley Jr. each had an interception against Daniel Jones, with Pitre returning it for 6 yards to score. Giants rookie receiver Malik Neighbors caught 4 of 6 passes for 54 yards, including 21 yards of rushing.
Here’s some instant analysis from Friday night’s game at NRG Stadium.
The starters performed a little better than they did last week, and Stroud took advantage of his opportunities, connecting with Nico Collins for 24 yards and connecting on three passes to Dalton Schultz for 39 yards, the longest being 26 yards.
But as the second quarter began, John Metchie III became the star of Saturday’s game, leading the charge for the final spot on a day when receivers needed to step up.
Metchie, a former second-round draft pick, caught three passes for 37 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum that broke a 7-7 tie. He also completed a 19-yard gain after halftime and assisted on British Brooks’ 6-yard touchdown run.
Metchie had six catches of his team-high seven targets for 68 yards and a score.
Cam Akers, another former second-round draft pick hoping to make the roster, appeared to be recovering from an Achilles injury and ran six times for 29 yards.
Akers could potentially win the RB2 spot if Damion Pierce continues to struggle. Many will blame the former fourth-round pick for the team’s lack of efficiency entering Year 3, but he’s playing behind an average offensive line that is without Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and whose running lanes are minimal at best.
It’s getting harder to make a case for Pierce as Akers, Jauhar Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale continue to have success. Sure, they’ll mostly be facing reserves while Pierce runs alongside the main guys, but DeMeco Ryans might end up turning to a 2020 second-round pick instead of Joe Mixon.
Stroud finished the game completing 7 of 10 passes for 88 yards and will finish the preseason with 9 of 14 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown.
Brooks, a bubble player, scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Last week, the Texans’ pass rush got off to an early start, and this week the secondary had a chance to shine.
Stingley nearly intercepted Jones on the first play of the game, but Jones closed the gap with a pass to Neighbors. Jones was 2-of-4 for 20 yards and avoided a sack by Derek Barnett for a safety, but then overthrew a Theo Johnson pass to Pitre for an easy score.
The Texans did not record a sack, but did record three tackles for loss and eight pressures. They also committed five turnovers, including three in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Max Tooley swiped the ball away and it was recovered by Lonnie Johnson Jr. Brooks scored on a 2-yard run four plays later.
On the ensuing drive, Neville Hewitt forced a fumble by Giants running back Lorenzo Lingard, giving Houston the ball at the New York 27-yard line. Five plays later, the Texans extended their lead to 18.
Tooley, an undrafted free agent out of BYU, continued his strong game day performance, finishing with a team-high five tackles and likely earning a spot on the active roster. Stingley, who had five interceptions last season, also had three pass deflections, including two against Neighbors.
Don’t pop the champagne or call Houston “Kansas City’s underdog,” but the Texans are ahead of schedule from last season. Stroud threw a great pass for a fist-down gain. The reserves proved they could live up to expectations if called into play.
Next week will be crucial for players in the bubble to make an impression, and there seems to be a clear divide between the top group of players and those trying to stay safe.
The Texans will practice Monday in preparation for Wednesday’s joint practice with the Rams. Kickoff next Saturday is scheduled for noon central time.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Instant analysis of the Texans’ 28-10 preseason win over the Giants
