Texans Preseason: Houston Gets Its First Look

The Houston Texans are officially getting closer to the real thing, and after two preseason games, there is plenty for Texans fans to talk about. I got to experience the first preseason game in person, and while preseason football always comes with the reminder that this isn’t the regular season, there is still something exciting about seeing the team back on the field and getting a first look at what could be ahead.

The Texans opened preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 13 and fell 27-7. Most of the major starters, including C.J. Stroud, did not play, so the night was really about evaluating the depth of the roster. There were still some bright spots, including rookie safety Kamari Ramsey, who recorded an interception, and a promising opening drive led by Davis Mills. 

Then came Thursday night’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, and this time fans got to see Stroud take a series. Houston jumped out to a 20-3 lead before the Raiders came all the way back to win 22-20. Stroud completed 4-of-6 passes for 27 yards on his only drive, while Woody Marks scored on a 20-yard touchdown run and rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown. 

And then there was Tom Brady. The Raiders’ minority owner was in Houston during the teams’ joint practices, talking to CJ Strout before going into the season.

Preseason isn’t about panicking over wins and losses. It’s about figuring out who belongs, who needs more work and what this team could look like when the games actually count. And with one preseason game left, Houston still has plenty to figure out.