These Texans are different

If the preseason is any indication, the Houston Texans should be a dramatically improved team this year. Under first-year head coach Gary Kubiak, the Texans on Saturday night recorded their second straight exhibition victory, knocking off the St. Louis Rams 27-20 on the road.

The Texans were impressive on both sides of the ball.

Behind the running of second-year back Vernand Morency (11 carries for 95 yards and two TDs) and rookie Wali Lundy (7-for-40), the Texans set a preseason franchise scoring record.

Quarterback David Carr completed 10 of 17 passes for 99 yards. And he was sacked ONLY ONCE.

Defensive end Mario Williams, the first pick in the 2006 NFL draft, was also impressive. He made outstanding plays (including a tackle behind the line of scrimmage) while fighting off double-teams. And Antwan Peek recorded two sacks.

The Texans are off to a 2-0 preseason start for the first time.

As exhibition games go, Saturday night’s victory was meaningless; it doesn’t count in the standings. But what a morale booster for a team that finished with the NFL’s worst record last season!

These aren’t the 2-14 Texans of a year ago.