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Aug. 11 (UPI) — Despite completing just two passes and throwing an interception, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud made his preseason debut for the Houston Texans and helped them secure a victory over the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass.
Stroud, who was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, started the game for the Texans and completed 2 of 4 passes for 13 yards before being replaced after the team’s second drive.
“It was an incredible opportunity to step foot in my first NFL stadium and play my first NFL game,” Stroud told reporters. “I’ve gone through a lot to get to this moment, so it felt really special.”
“Of course, I wish I hadn’t made that one mistake on a certain play, but overall, I played solid and it felt good to be back in action.”
In addition to Stroud, other Texans rookies like defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (No. 3 overall pick) and wide receiver Tank Dell (third-round pick) also made their debut against the Patriots. Anderson recorded one tackle, while Dell made five catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.
For the Patriots, cornerback Christian Gonzalez (No. 17 pick) and second-round pick Keion White were among the rookies who made their debut. White and Gonzalez each recorded three combined tackles.
The Texans’ opening drive was cut short as Jalen Mills of the Patriots intercepted Stroud’s pass. Shortly after, Patriots kicker Nick Folk scored a 44-yard field goal, giving the Patriots an early 3-0 lead.
“If I had the chance to do it over again, I would have opted for the check-down receiver,” Stroud said. “The look wasn’t ideal, so I need to improve on my end.”
Stroud had a better showing on his second drive, moving the Texans from the 18-yard line to the 46-yard line. However, the possession ended with a punt, and Stroud was replaced by Davis Mills at the end of the first quarter.
“Obviously, I’m not thrilled with how I performed,” Stroud admitted. “I didn’t have much playing time, but it was a good start. I’ll learn from my mistakes and keep pushing forward.”
The Texans and Patriots continued to exchange punts until Davis Mills threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell just before halftime.
Mills took the shotgun snap, dropped back, and threw a pass to his left. Dell initially dropped the catch, but he managed to secure it against his right leg with exceptional effort.
This touchdown was part of a 20-point scoring streak for the Texans.
Later, Texans’ tight end/fullback Dalton Keene scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Case Keenum threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Alex Bachman early in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots scored their final points of the night when undrafted rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham ran for a 9-yard touchdown with 1:54 remaining.
Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe completed 12 of 14 passes for 79 yards in the loss. Cunningham completed 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards and rushed for 34 yards on five carries. He also played as a wide receiver but did not record a catch.
Patriots quarterback Trace McSorley completed 1 of 3 passes for four yards.
Mills completed 9 of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown for the Texans, while Keenum completed 9 of 14 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans will host the Miami Dolphins in their next preseason game on August 19 at 4 p.m. EDT in Houston. The Patriots will face the Green Bay Packers on the same day at 8 p.m. in Green Bay, Wis.
