C.J. Stroud Struggles, Backup QBs Rally Texans in Preseason Win vs. Patriots

The Houston Texans would've like to see more from quarterback C.J. Stroud, but scored a preseason week 1 victory for the third-consecutive season.

The Houston Texans rolled the dice with quarterback C.J. Stroud facing the starting New England Patriots defense, and it backfired, but the Texans' reserves stepped in and helped lead a 20-9 win Thursday at Gillette Stadium.

Stroud played just two drives, throwing an interception on his second preseason pass, finishing his much-anticipated first start by completing 2-of-4 passes for 13 yards and a pick, which led to New England's lone score of the first half. However, veteran quarterbacks Davis Mills and Case Keenum took over for the rest of the game to help the Texans notch their third-consecutive preseason-opening win.

Mills connected with rookie wide receiver Tank Dell for 24- and 12-yard completions, but none were more impressive than their fourth pitch-and-catch of the drive. Dell had one-on-one coverage in the left corner of the end zone, and Mills delivered a back-shoulder throw that was tipped up into the air and that he pinned against his calf with one hand while laying in bounds to put Houston on the board, 7-3.

Dell led Texans receivers with five catches for 65 yards and a score.

Mills took a seat at halftime, completing 9 of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, giving way to quarterback Case Keenum.

Keenum played the final half of the game helping lead two touchdown drives, as his first was a 4:38 drive that spanned eight plays for 55 yards.

He had a 19-yard completion to wide receiver Jared Wayne and a 20-yarder to Xavier Hutchinson to help set up fullback Dalton Keene's 1-yard touchdown plunge. After kicker Jake Bates missed the extra point, Houston led 13-3.

Keenum helped put the game out of reach with a 10-play drive in the fourth quarter in which he found wide receiver Alex Bachman for a 5-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-3.

The 11-year NFL veteran finished 9-for-14 for 79 yards and one touchdown.

Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham came on and gave them a spark on their last drive of the game, marching New England 74 yards down the field on 14 plays capped off by a 9-yard touchdown rush just past the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. Cunningham trimmed the Patriots' deficit to 20-9 after a failed two-point conversion.

Cunningham was New England's leading rusher, totaling 34 yards on nine carries. Through the air, Cunningham was 3 of 4 for 19 yards.

The Texans are back in action for their second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 19 at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on ABC 13.

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