Official Texans @ Cowboys Fake Game Thread, 9/1/2016

[Arky]

The Texans hit the road to complete the preseason with a "scrimmage" against Dallas on Thursday at 7pm. Game can be seen on Channel 13 (ABC).

This game is usually a last chance for bubble players to make an impression. Expect to see plenty of 2nd, 3rd and 4th team camp players and a good dose of QBs Savage and Weeden.

After this game, it's 10 more days till the season opener against the Bears @ NRG.

Dallas opened as a 1.5 pt favorite (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) but since Dak Prescott is now the #1 (and probably won't play much if at all), the Texans are now a 3 pt favorite.

[Nconroe]

Seems there are some tough battles going on for almost every position group. So plenty to watch even though many second and third string guys will be playing.

How our Center(s) does could impact if we need to bring in another experienced Center real quick.

[nunusguy]

Manz is a more experienced NFL center than Martin ever was. I'm more concerned about Newts play at RT and the uncertainty about Duane Browns return at LT than I am about the current center position. It's protection by our offensive tackles vs the edge rush that really worries me.

[HPF Bob]

C'mon 4-0. Let's go for the sweep! Yes, they're "meaningless" games but beating the Cowboys *never* gets old, even if it is at tiddly-winks.

[popanot]

Weeden blowing his Cowboys backup (re)audition. Oh...and WTF is Savage doing trying to make a tackle on a turnover?!?! Dude, they put you on IR last year for a hangnail. This is your chance to be the primary backup! Don't get hurt, dummy!!!

[popanot]

Texans need a jersey refresh. That red band around the collar needs to go. Sooo early 2000's! As long as they're not stupid like JAX or Tampa's I wouldn't mind a complete uniform overhaul. Ugh...preseason GM4 discussion

[Arky]

Really nice play, Weeden to Mumph for 64 yards and the TD.

33 seconds to go in the half.

Texans 14, Cowboys 7

[chuck]

Weeden and Savage in total control. They're not exactly playing the '85 Bears but still.

[Arky]

Dallas sneaks in a FG before the half ends. Halftime score:

Texans 14, Cowboys 10

Halftime stats:

Total yards: Texans 214, Cowboys 114

1st downs: Texans 13, Cowboys 7

Time of possession: Texans 18:30, Cowboys 11:30

Turnovers: Texans 1, Cowboys 1

Charles James leads the team with 4 tackles. Brandon Dunn and Robert Nelson have 3 each.

Mumphrey - 3 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD

Hunt - 5 rushes, 31 yards, 1 TD

Hilliard - 16 rushes, 52 yards, 1 lost fumble

[popanot]

Can this game just be over?

[chuck]

Can this game just be over?

It's over. Suck it, Dallas.

[Arky]

Final score:

Texans 28, Cowboys 17

I think they gotta keep Akeem Hunt active..... Nelson, Hilliard and Wendall Williams to the PS...

[Keith]

First time the Texans have had a 4-0 preseason. The winning formula is to have competent backup quarterbacking.

Surprised we did not see Grimes... I guess his spot is safe? Blue's too? Hmm. Akeem Hunt ought to only be on the bubble for suspect pass pro/blitz pickup. Otherwise, he has the sort of offensive juice you pay guys like Lamar Miller to have. If the Texans don't keep him on the final 53, I will be very disappointed.

Weeden is a bit of a luxury as a third string. The Texans have suffered terrible luck keeping QBs healthy to the point it feels like three won't ever be enough, but really two should suffice in most seasons. For Weeden's sake, I kinda hope they find a trade for him seeing how several teams lack a better option as a #2. Plus, it frees up a roster spot for an extra OL on waivers...

[HPF Bob]

Antonio Allen salts the game away with a Pick 6 only to be cut the next day. It tells you what sort of depth we have now if guys who are stand outs all summer still can't make the final roster.

I'm still suspicious of the offensive line and inside linebacker. I will always be jittery while Kareem "Holding - Defense" Jackson is on the field but, otherwise, I am as confident about this Texans team as I've ever been so long as we see Watt and Clowney on the field together at full strength.

[chuck]

Antonio Allen salts the game away with a Pick 6 only to be cut the next day. It tells you what sort of depth we have now if guys who are stand outs all summer still can't make the final roster.

I'm still suspicious of the offensive line and inside linebacker. I will always be jittery while Kareem "Holding - Defense" Jackson is on the field but, otherwise, I am as confident about this Texans team as I've ever been so long as we see Watt and Clowney on the field together at full strength.

Outstanding. How are the Broncos shaping up?

[barrett]

Antonio Allen salts the game away with a Pick 6 only to be cut the next day. It tells you what sort of depth we have now if guys who are stand outs all summer still can't make the final roster.

I'm still suspicious of the offensive line and inside linebacker. I will always be jittery while Kareem "Holding - Defense" Jackson is on the field but, otherwise, I am as confident about this Texans team as I've ever been so long as we see Watt and Clowney on the field together at full strength.

McKinney has looked good when I've watched (I missed game 1 where he was apparently awful in coverage). Cushing still looks like a shell.

As for Kareem Jackson, I think every DB should hold on almost every play. I know every Seattle guy does. It's a legitimate team strategy for them. The ref can't call it every time and the more you do it the more you get away with it. Plus it's a 5 yard penalty. So hold them every time it isn't 3rd and long.

[HPF Bob]

Outstanding. How are the Broncos shaping up?

They are taking a huge gamble with two QBs that have never taken a regulation game NFL snap. I didn't think they would have cut Sanchez even though he had his meltdowns against SF.

The defense is solid. They have edge rushers and corners like crazy. They expect the defense to cover the learning curve of the quarterbacks.

[HPF Bob]

Whoever commented about switching color schemes, I hope they noticed how special NRG looked in Cougar Red last Saturday. I've said many times the Texans should make Battle Red their primary color with the Steel Blue as the accent. No ketchup pants though.