Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for a 4-yard touchdown pass to receiver DeAndre Hopkins and the Houston Texans prevailed over the Detroit Lions 30-23 Saturday night at NRG Stadium in the second week of preseason.
Watson played one series for the Texans, and completed 5-of-7 for 60 yards and a touchdown. The Pro Bowl signal caller for a season ago had time in the pocket to survey the field and make decisive throws to available targets.
Quarterbacks Joe Webb and Jordan Ta’amu filled in for Watson the rest of the evening. Webb went 14-of-25 for 185 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Ta’amu, the undrafted free agent from Ole Miss, completed one pass on one attempt for three yards.
Running back Buddy Howell produced a game-high 15 carries for 84 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown. The effort should bode well for the practice squad player from a season ago endeavoring to make a spot on the club’s final 53-man roster.
29-year-old outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus had a strip-sack of Lions quarterback Josh Johnson. The Texans defense limited Detroit to 18 first downs and 388 yards of total offense. Houston out-gained the Lions with 410 yards of total offense and 22 first downs. Derrick Baity was the Texans’ leading tackler with six combined tackles, and the defensive back also produced two pass breakups and an interception.
Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled from 50, 27, and 39 yards out. The former UCLA Bruin was perfect on field goals and went 2-of-2 on extra points after missing a field goal against the Green Bay Packers in the preseason opener.
Texans first-round pick Tytus Howard headed to the locker room short of halftime. Initial reports were the former Alabama State Hornet had his left hand looked at by trainers. He did not return for the second half, though it was unlikely he would play for the rest of the game otherwise.
Detroit returns home to host the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 23. The Texans will stay in the Lone Star State, but go on the road as they face the Dallas Cowboys Aug. 24 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
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