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Watch: Texans’ Brian Hoyer throws 42-yard Hail Mary before halftime

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer was able to orchestrate a little bit of magic right before halftime Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts, connecting with wide receiver Jaelen Strong on a 42-yard Hail Mary with time expiring. 
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Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer was able to orchestrate a little bit of magic right before halftime Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts, connecting with wide receiver Jaelen Strong on a 42-yard Hail Mary with time expiring. 

After getting plenty of time in the pocket, Hoyer launched a towering pass that landed right in the hands of Strong in the center of the end zone. The play actually looked like a game of catch, as the Colts’ defenders seemed to be completely lost. 

​Strong is no stranger to being on the receiving end of a Hail Mary. The rookie out of Arizona State caught a 46-yard pass to stun USC last season. 

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Hoyer replaced starting quarterback Ryan Mallet in the second quarter after Mallet was sidelined by a hard hit to the ribs. 

Hoyer finished the first half 8 of 13 for 127 yards and one touchdown. Before coming out, Mallet was 7 of 10 for 50 yards and an interception. 

Hoyer also replaced a struggling Mallet in the team’s 48–21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, head coach Bill O'Brien said Mallet was still his starting quarterback moving forward. 

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