Welcome to Houston, Stefon Diggs. Let’s hope Saturday’s outing was the start of something promising.
Diggs, the star acquisition for the Texans’ offense, hauled in a 9-yard pass from C.J. Stroud for a first down en route to a 28-10 win over the New York Giants at NRG Stadium.
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Buffalo Bills, only recorded one catch, but it was enough to push Houston into New York territory.
A strong performance in H-Town 💪 pic.twitter.com/cGXP1EKLH3
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
Jalen Pitre and Derek Stingley Jr. each recorded an interception against Daniel Jones, with the former scoring on a 6-yard return. Giants rookie receiver Malik Nabers finished with four catches on six targets for 54 yards, including a pick-up of 21 yards.
Here’s the instant analysis of Friday night’s action at NRG Stadium.
Offense
Starters saw a bit more action than last week and Stroud took advantage of his openings. He connected with Nico Collins for a 24-yard gain. He found Dalton Schultz three times for 39 yards, including a long of 26.
But John Metchie III was the star of Saturday’s game once the second quarter started. On a day when receivers needed to shine, he stepped up in the race for a final roster spot.
Metchie, a former second-round pick, caught three passes for 37 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum to break a 7-7 tie. Coming out of halftime, he hauled in a 19-yard gain to set up British Brooks for a 6-yard touchdown run.
LET’S GO 8️⃣
📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/yqzwt8KJMi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
Metchie finished with a team-high six catches off seven targets for 68 yards and a score.
Cam Akers, another former second-round pick trying to make the roster, looked comfortable coming off a pair of his Achilles tendons, rushing for 29 yards on six attempts.
There’s a chance Akers could win the RB2 job if Dameon Pierce continues to struggle. Plenty of people have blamed the former fourth-round pick for his inefficiency entering Year 3, but he’s also working behind an average offensive line. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil didn’t play and running lanes have been minimal at best.
Car stopped, rims keep spinnin' 🤘
📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/Y0GaMAhbTh
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
It’s getting hard to defend Pierce when Akers, Jawhar Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale continue to find success. Granted, they’re primarily facing backups while Pierce is running with the ones, but DeMeco Ryans might eventually turn to the 2020 second-round pick in place of Joe Mixon.
Stroud finished the day 7-of-10 passing for 88 yards. If he’s done for the preseason, he’ll finish 9-of-14 for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Brooks, a bubble player, finished with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Defense
Last week, the Texans’ pass rush set the tone early. This week, the secondary had a chance to feast.
Stingley nearly picked off Jones on the first play of the game but could close the gap on the pass intended for Nabers. Jones, who finished 2-of-4 for 20 yards, tried to evade a Derek Barnett sack for a safety, but he overthrew Theo Johnson right to Pitre for the easy score.
While the Texans didn’t record a sack, they were credited with three tackles for loss and eight pressures. They also finished with five turnovers, including three in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Max Tooley jarred a ball loose, which was recovered by Lonnie Johnson Jr. Brooks scored on a 2-yard run four plays later.
Can't stop, won't stop 🔥
Our ball again ‼️ pic.twitter.com/tAzzvUSyyY
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
On the ensuing drive, Neville Hewitt forced a fumble on Giants running back Lorenzo Lingard, giving Houston the ball at New York’s 27-yard line. Five plays later, the Texans extended their lead to 18.
Tooley, an undrafted free agent from BYU, continues to step on gameday and may find a spot on the active roster after finishing with a team-high five tackles. Stingley, who picked off five passes last season, finished with three pass deflections, including two against Nabers.
Recap
Please don’t start popping the champagne or calling Houston “Kansas City’s kryptonite,” but the Texans are ahead of schedule from last season. Stroud threw some nice passes for fist-down gains. Backups showed that if called upon for a game, they could deliver.
Next week is essential for those on the bubble to impress. It feels like there’s a clear separation between the leader of the pack and those trying to guarantee their status as safe.
Looking Ahead
The Texans will practice on Monday in preparation for their joint practice with the Rams on Wednesday. Kickoff next Saturday is scheduled for noon CT.
