Fitz is showing some nice escapability and a couple nice runs.

Texans now at the 15 yard line after pass to K Martin.

Pass to Grimes in the flat good for about 7. Timeout w/29 seconds left in the half..

Pass to EZ in the endzone broken up but flags down. Offsetting - redo the down.

Fitz hits Posey in the endzone for the TD! Nice 2 minute drive! Oy, Boswell misses the XP.

Texans 13, Falcons 7

19 seconds left in the half.

The officiating is a joke. I have been in favor the whole time of the penalties on any hit close to the head. I see the value in protecting these guys. I have no problem losing that part of the physical element. And I think it has actually worked as defenders are going there less and less.

But what is the point of all the ridiculous rules they are pushing this year? We just watched Peyton Manning dink and dunk his way to 10,000 yards and a million TDs and we want to further restrict the DBs? Was the NFL really so upset by Seattle beating Manning that they needed to make all forms of defense illegal? And then add stupid penalties like the one against Swearinger for celebrating with his teammates. Or Jimmy Graham getting flagged for a harmless goal post dunk.

The league is ridiculous if they are pushing the officials to do this. And if it is just some preseason thing that is even dumber.

With all that said, great football from the Texans tonight. They are a little limited, but this is what they can be when it all comes together.

Keenum in at QB.

Texans start off the 2nd half with a penalty.

Dang, 3 plays, 3 flags but the Texans get a 1st down on the last one.

Bullock gets a 40 yard FG.

Texans 16, Falcons 7

10:20 left in the 3rd quarter.

Keenum looking much better today as well.

On int looked like receiver had it but

Denham blocks the Falcons punt, Grimes picks it up and runs it in for the score!

Texans 23, Falcons 7

13:53 left in the game.

Many positives including special teams this week.

I hate to break character but yes, there have been quite a number of positives. Most of our key players sat this one out, too.

Fitz is who he is, but one thing is that he is an awful lot more mobile that Schaub ever was. (Who isn't?)

I know there were some questions regarding Clowney pre-draft but I sure as hell can't remember what they were anymore.

Who's the nickel corner going to be?

Another one for the ST as Jawanza Starling blocks the Falcons 51-yard FG attempt.

8:43 left in the game.

I'd say Bouye, or someone that isn't currently on the roster.

1st dibs on the waiver wire after cut downs should prove beneficial.

Bouye looks good. And the mistake/high draft pick guys he's competing with are not O'Brien guys so he should get a fair shake.

And yes, tons of positives. I am nearly as happy about this one as I was disappointed by last week. We look like the big, physical team that O'Brien's first draft indicated we would be. And we are playing ST and running the ball in the way you need to if you are going to win with defense. And with all the positives, I don't think Watt played, and Clowney only played a bit. I am almost giddy about watching 4 quarters of those guys. Is it possible Clowney could be better than the hype from 18 months ago? He sure seems to work hard and love football in ways that make the questions about him seem silly.

Great minds.

His motor and motivation. It may have just been an undiagnosed sports hernia that was the problem. But we won't know if he really wants to be a star at this level until about two years from now when he's had his taste of fame. I'm sticking to my Jevon Kearse career track until I see differently.

Hottadam, Andre Hal does a pick 6 but a flag is down. Unsportsmanlike on the Texans after the fact. Oy, Boswell misses another XP.

Texans 29, Falcons 7

Bullough with the INT. Texans set up at the Falcon 15 with 5:34 to go.

Savage back in at QB.

-----------------------

Boswell good on the 33-yard FG.

Texans 32, Falcons 7

3:18 left in the game.

I really like O'Brien's willingness to use QBs like other players in the preseason. They are allowed to go in and out of the game and I am glad they are (though I've never really seen it and would not have thought to do it myself).

It was great to see Fitzpatrick in the 2 minute drill and Savage behind semi-pro OL. Small thing, but outside the box coaching.

Final Score:

Texans 32, Falcons 7

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Much better. Competitive this time....

Feels so much better now that 15 game losing streak is over.