Texans vs. Saints Live Updates: Preseason Finale In Big Easy
Coach DeMeco Ryans announced C.J. Stroud as the starting quarterback for Sunday's final exhibition match against the New Orleans Saints.
Ryans said Stroud will play at least two series at The Caesars Superdome. But despite making his third consecutive start, Ryans and the Texans refuse to announce Stroud as the team's starting quarterback for the regular season.
The Texans are the only team in the league who have not announced their Week 1 starter. But Stroud isn't concerned with the delayed announcement.
"I ain't tripping — just do what's on my plate," Stroud said. "I'm not worried about anybody else's plate. I got to focus on what we got going on in this locker room and just getting better every day.
"It's not about any of that stuff. It's about competing every day and just getting better. That's not my job. My job is to go out there and play. I got the fun stuff to do."
In addition to Stroud, Ryans added that projected starters will play at least two drives. The decision will give players a chance to make one last impact before Tuesday's roster cutdown day.
"Preseason is about just trimming and just allowing guys to just go play as fast as possible – not a lot of thinking, not a lot of checks," Ryans said. "We just want to see how guys operate on gameday and can they play as fast as possible?
"Can they make plays without having to think? When it comes to game planning, that changes each week and we’ve seen how guys handle things mentally throughout training camp."
Follow along with our possession by possession updates and analysis below:
1st quarter:
The Saints received the ball first. With quarterback Derek Carr out, Jameis Winston started under center. New Orleans recorded 35 yards in six plays before punting to the Texans. Cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Ka'dar Hollman started in place of Derek Stingley Jr. and Steven Nelson.
Change of possession:
On the Texans' first possession of the night, Stroud almost connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for a 20-yard gain. But Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor was able to break up Stroud's pass attempt. Three-and-out for Houston.
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Saints. Punt.
Change of possession:
The Texans scored first in their preseason finale. They recorded 43 yards in six plays, with running back Dameon Pierce accounting for 25 yards. The drive ended with Stroud connecting with Collins for a three-yard touchdown. But before he connected with Collins, Stroud helped keep the drive alive by throwing a 13-yard completion to tight end Dalton Schultz.
Texans 7, Saints 0
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Saints. Punt.
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt.
Change of possession:
During the final series with Winston under center, the Saints were able to record their first touchdown of the night. Winston connected with tight end Jimmy Graham twice during the drive. The first Winton-to-Graham connection came with a 25-yard reception, while the second ended with a three-yard touchdown.
Texans 7, Saints 7
End of 1st
2nd quarter:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Saints. Punt
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt
Change of possession:
During the Saints' latest possession, they recorded 16 yards in seven plays. Turnover on down.
Change of possession:
Mills had his most successful drive. The Texans recorded 37 yards in 11 plays. The series ended with kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn drilling a 28-yard field goal. The Texans would have recorded a touchdown with running back Devin Singletary, but a holding penalty ruined the drive.
Texans 10 Saints 7
Change of possession:
The Saints recorded 32 yards on seven plays. Punt.
Halftime
The Texans received the ball first in the second half. They recorded 17 yards in four plays with one first down. Punt.
Change of possession:
The Saints were able to tie the game at 10 apiece following their latest drive. The highlight of the possession came when quarterback Jake Haener scrambled for 26 yards to set the Saints deep within the Texans' territory. Kicker Blake Grupe drilled a 38-yard field goal.
Texans 10, Saints 10
Change of possession:
The Texans recorded their second touchdown of the game, but the first with E.J. Perry under center. Houston recorded 74 yards in nine plays. The drive ended with running back Mike Boone rushing for an 11-yard touchdown.
Texans 17, Saints 10
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Saints. Punt
Change of possession:
End of 3rd
4th quarter:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Saints. Punt
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt
Change of possession:
Saints recorded 35 yards in five plays. New Orleans ended the drive with a 50-yard field goal drilled by Grupe.
Texans 17, Saints 13
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt
Change of possession:
The Saints had a solid outing during their latest drive. But following a missed 60-yard field goal, New Orleans ended the series scoreless.
Change of possession:
Three-and-out. Turnover on down.
Change of possession:
The Saints' latest drive of the game ended with defensive back Grayland Arnold recording an interception.
Change of possession:
Three-and-out for the Texans. Punt
Change of possession:
During the Saints' final series of the game, Haener threw is second consecutive interception, which was recorded by Cameron Dantzler.
Change of possession:
Texans 17, Saints 13
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