Texans vs. Patriots Live Updates: DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud Make Debut
HOUSTON — All eyes will be on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will make his anticipated debut Thursday night as a member of the Houston Texans against the New England Patriots.
But when Stroud takes to the field of Gillette Stadium for the first time in his career, coach DeMeco Ryans will also make his debut as coach.
Ryans will began his head coaching career following a successful five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers hired Ryans as the team's defensive quality control coach in 2017. He took over as the 49ers' defensive coordinator in 2019 and elevated San Francisco's defense into one of the league's best.
During the 2022 season, the 49ers recorded the second-most takeaways (30) while giving up an average of 16.3 points. As a result of their defense, the 49ers went 13-4 and advanced to the NFC Championship game, where they lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles.
"As my first time going out as a head coach in this game, what I’m looking forward to most and what I’m excited about most is seeing young guys show up," Ryans said. "Every preseason game, there are a few young guys who stick out, right, and they showcase their talent to the world.
"I’m just excited for these young men to have the opportunity to go out and play to the best of their ability and not so much is the focus about me. I’ve been in many games, many times. The focus is on the players and seeing them go play really well."
WHAT: Houston Texans (0-0) at New England Patriots (0-0)
WHERE: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA (65,878)
WHEN: Thursday, August 10, 2023, 7 p.m. ET
TELEVISION: KTRK-ABC 13 / FuboTV (try it free)
RADIO: SPORTS RADIO 610
TICKETS: SI Tickets
BETTING: SI SportsBook
SPREAD: Houston Texans -3.5 (-111), New England Patriots +3.5 (-111)
1st Quarter:
The Texans received the ball first, and the first drive of Stroud's career did not go as planned. He connected with Nico Collins on his first career pass attempt, which led to a first down. Stroud was sacked for a loss of 15 yards by Daniel Ekuale. Two plays later, Stroud threw his first interception, which Jalen Mills picked off.
Change of Possession
The defense held the Patriots to a field goal after Stroud's interception. Linebacker Denzel Perryman recorded a sack on quarterback Bailey Zappe for a loss of seven.
Patriots 3, Texans 0
Due to the subpar play of the offensive line, the Texans had an unsuccessful drive. They only accumulated 28 yards, but 15 came following the result of a roughing the passer call. Punt.
Change of Possession
Outside of giving up a 27-yard reception to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, the Texans' defense did a solid job holding their own against New England's offense. Punt
Change of Possession
End of 1st:
2nd quarter:
The Texans made a quarterback change ahead of their third drive of the night. Stroud's night ended with Davis Mills taking the helm under Center. With Mills, the Texans recorded 15 yards in six plays. Punt.
Change of Possession:
Rookie linebacker Henry To'oTo'o came up huge on the Texans' latest defensive drive. Following a pass attempt completed by Zappe, To'oTo'o recorded a huge stop to prevent a first down by the Texans. Three-and-out. Punt.
Change of Possession:
Mills completed a 12-yard pass to wide receiver Steven Sims. But two plays later, running back Dare Ogunbowale fumbled. Patriots' Calvin Munson recovered the ball at Houston's 49-yard line.
Change of Possession:
Three and out for the Patriots. Punt
Change of Possession:
The Texans' next offensive drive began with Mills finding Tank Dell for 15 yards. Mills later connected with running back Mike Boone for back-to-back completions. The drive ended with full back Andrew Beck dropping a pass attempt from Mills. Punt
Change of Possession:
Three and out for the Patriots. Punt
Change of Possession:
The Texans put together their most successful drive of the first half. The drive began with Mills finding Dell for 24 yards. He later connected with John Metchie III for eight yards. With the ball on New England's six-yard line, Mills found Dell in the end zone for Houston's first preseason touchdown.
Texans 7, Patriots 3
Halftime
3rd Quarter:
The Patriots received the ball first to open the second half. Due to the production of To'oTo'o, the Texans came away with another impressive stop in six plays. Punt.
Change of Possession:
Case Keenum replaced Mills at quarterback and led the Texans on their second touchdown drive. Keenum's best play came on 2nd & 3 when he connected with rookie wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson for 20 yards. Houston's drive ended with tight end Dalton Keene rushing up the middle for a one-yard touchdown.
Texans 13, Patriots 3
Change of Possession
The Texans' defense continued their impressive performance in their first game under Ryans. They held the Patriots to 17 yards through five plays. Punt.
Change of Possession:
The Texans' offense recorded 19 yards in six plays. Punt.
Change of Possession
End of 3rd:
4th quarter:
Three-and-out for New England. Punt
Change of Possession
Houston recorded 40 yards in 10 plays during their latest offensive drive. Keenum connected with wide receiver Alex Bachman for a five-yard touchdown.
Texans 20, Patriots 3
The Patriots had their most successful drive of the game, with Malik Cunningham taking the helm under center. He led the Patriots on a 14-play drive that tallied 75 yards. The possession ended with Cunningham rushing for a nine-yard touchdown drive.
Texans 20, Patriots 9
Change of Possession
Texans take victory formation.
End of game
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