Texans Hold Off Saints Comeback Attempt In Preseason Finale

The Houston Texans were tested in their preseason finale, but held on for the win against the New Orleans Saints.

The Houston Texans intercepted two passes to stymie the New Orleans Saints' comeback attempt, winning 17-13 to close out the preseason at Caesars Superdome Sunday.

Newly signed cornerback Cameron Dantzler made a leaping grab on fourth down, picking off Saints quarterback Jake Haener for the second time in as many drives to cap off the win.

On New Orleans' second-to-last drive, Haener connected with tight end Lucas Krull twice for 34 yards and, on the attempt for a third connection, safety Grayland Arnold intercepted it in the end zone.

The most important thing for the Texans to take away is the growth of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who completed 2-of-4 passes for 16 yards and his first touchdown pass of the preseason in two drives.

His first drive, Stroud went 0-for-2 but had about the best-looking incompletion a quarterback could have. Houston's rookie spun a lofted throw approximately 36 yards through the air, dropping it right in the bucket for Nico Collins but the pass was broken up by Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor at the last moment.

On Stroud's second drive of the night, he hit tight end Dalton Schultz for a 13-yard completion that led to a 3-yard touchdown pass to Collins on a shallow crossing route.

Stroud was pulled for Davis Mills after two drives. Mills went 6-for-11 for 52 yards but was sacked three times for 23 yards.

The Texans got a spark from quarterback E.J. Perry, who they signed from the USFL's Michigan Panthers. Perry connected with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson for 24 yards, which set up running back Mike Boone's 11-yard touchdown, spinning his way into the end zone which gave the Texans a 17-10 lead.

Hutchinson led all Texans receivers with four catches and 43 yards, while Boone ran for 51 yards on seven carries with a score.

The Saints had solid quarterback play from both Jameis Winston and Jake Haener, both of whom combined for 257 yards and a touchdown on 51.9 percent passing.

Tight end Jimmy Graham scored New Orleans' lone touchdown on a 3-yard jump ball from Winston to tie the game 7-7 early in the second quarter.

The Texans will finalize their 53-man roster by Tuesday at noon CT, while also figuring out who their 16-man practice squad will be. Houston kicks off its first week of the regular season at M&T Bank Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 10 at noon CT on CBS.

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You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

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