Texans vs. Vikings Preseason Takeaways: Offensive Line Identity, Standout Performers, and Depth Chart Battles
- Aug 11
- 5 min read
The Texans’ preseason opener against the Vikings wasn’t about the scoreboard — it was about confirming what we expected to see, finding answers to roster questions, and getting live reps for players fighting for spots.
In my preview, I stressed that preseason games are more like controlled practices: simplified schemes, minimal opponent-specific game planning, and heavy rotation. That proved true here. And while the starters were mostly spectators, the game still revealed plenty — especially about the offensive line.
Starters Rested, Depth Tested
True to DeMeco Ryans’ track record, Houston held out a long list of core players to prioritize health over preseason snaps. Sitting were: C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Tytus Howard, Cam Robinson, Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., Laken Tomlinson, Jalen Pitre, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Sheldon Rankins.
This game was designed to:
Showcase bubble players in live action.
Give younger guys developmental reps.
Let veterans returning from injury shake off rust.
Offensive Line: Gap Scheme Vision on Display
Only two (possibly three) projected starters opened the game — Aireontae Ersey at LT and Jake Andrews at C, with Ed Ingram at RG.
From the jump, the Texans hammered the downhill gap run game Nick Caley and DeMeco Ryans have made the foundation of their offensive identity. Duo concepts and second-level climbs were the core of the plan, and it worked.
Standouts:
Jake Andrews and Ed Ingram consistently created movement and controlled their assignments.
Aireontae Ersey held his own in pass pro and moved bodies in the run game.
Juice Scruggs had some good reps, but overall a mixed performance.
Blake Fisher struggled again — beaten multiple times in pass and run blocking, plus another false start (a recurring camp issue).
The backups weren’t as sharp. Zack Thomas allowed multiple pressures and was flagged for a false start. Once the second and third units came in, the run game lost its push.
First Drive: Crisp, Efficient, Controlled
Davis Mills ran the opening series, and the operation was clean:
Quick in and out of the huddle.
Sharp pre-snap checks.
Heavy quick game emphasis — short, decisive throws.
Mills’ best toss was a quick out to rookie TE Cade Stover. Rookie WR Jaylin Noel turned a dead screen into a third-and-long conversion by breaking a tackle and muscling for extra yards.
The drive stalled on a red zone miscommunication between Mills and Stover, likely a seam read adjustment against single-high safety.
Multiplicity on Offense & Veteran Returns
I wanted to see personnel variety — and got it:
11 personnel (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) was the base.
12 personnel (2 TE) mixed in for balance.
22 personnel (2 backs, 1 TE) brought the power — FB Jakob Johnson was a tone-setter in the run game.
10 personnel (4 WR) was even seen!
Two veterans making their first game action since ACL injuries — Braxton Berrios and Brevin Jordan — both played well. Berrios scored on a perfectly designed “Slither” play-action bootleg, then added clutch deep outs later. Jordan was active in both the pass game and as a blocker.
Xavier Hutchinson continued his hot streak from camp and last season’s finish with multiple catches and strong blocking.
John Metchie fought for tough yards after contact but couldn’t haul in a deep ball from Graham Mertz that might’ve drawn a DPI, but continued his strong camp with a productive day with 5 catches for 45 yards. Rookie Jayden Higgins used his size to shield defenders on a couple of grabs, looking almost like a tight end on the sideline.
Running Backs: Limited Room, Good Pass Pro
Dare Ogunbowale: Good vision and speed on the opening drive.
Woody Marks: Nothing going on the ground due to lack of blocking but shined in pass protection.
Jawhar Jordan: Similar story — solid in blitz pickup, including one notable LB knockdown, but had a muffed punt he recovered. He does hit the whole hard for a guy at his stature.
Quarterbacks: Box Score Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Davis Mills: Poised, decisive, and in full control of the offense.
Kedon Slovis: Looked more comfortable than in camp.
Graham Mertz: Three interceptions on paper, but the context matters:
Scramble drill misread with Xavier Johnson.
Post-snap rotation miscommunication with UDFA Daniel Jackson.
Correct slant read tipped by a dropping edge defender.
Two would-be third-down conversions (to Metchie and Luke Lachey) were dropped.
Defense: Backups Handle JJ McCarthy, Speed Shines
Even with many backups in the starting defensive lineup, playing basic schemes with limited blitzing, the Texans’ defense held up well against Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy.
EJ Speed was the standout of the night:
Immediate tone-setter on special teams (big hit negated by penalty).
TFL on first defensive series.
PBU on third down.
Another highlight hit later in the game.
Other defensive notes:
Tim Settle Jr. bulldozed Vikings rookie guard Donovan Jackson.
Darrell Taylor: Solid outing despite a brief injury scare.
Casey Toohill: Recorded a sack.
Tommy Togiai: Strong in the run game.
Jamal Hill: Impressive TFL.
Jaylin Smith (USC DB): Multiple PBUs and tackles.
Arthur Maulet and Damon Arnette: Physical tackling from depth corners.
Nick Niemann: Length and range showed up on tape.
Myles Bryant: Steady in nickel coverage.
Deep reserve interior DL group struggled late, allowing inside runs.
Rookie LS Austin Brinkman was perfect in all snap/hold/kick operations.
British Brooks delivered a big hit on kickoff coverage.
Operational Observations from the Sideline and Booth
Even without pads on, C.J. Stroud was locked into the game. His presence was noticeable during his sideline interview in the third quarter, where he was visibly distracted mid-question while following the action on the field. At one point, when asked about Jawhar Jordan’s muffed punt, Stroud declined to comment — likely a deliberate choice to avoid publicly criticizing a teammate. Later, in the fourth quarter with the Texans down 10 points in what was a meaningless game in terms of results, Stroud appeared to alert DeMeco Ryans to a running play clock, prompting a timeout. That reset the offense, which went on to convert.
On the coaching side, offensive line coach Cole Popovich was highly engaged on the sideline — coaching players up between series, offering feedback after plays, and bringing visible energy to his group. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Nick Caley called plays from the booth rather than the sideline, potentially giving him a better vantage point to assess defensive alignments and adjust — a setup many had hoped to see from Bobby Slowik last season.
Final Thoughts
This game checked the boxes I was looking for from my preview:
Offensive identity is set — downhill gap running, multiple personnel looks, physical blocking.
OL communication showed real progress versus stunts, twists, and simulated pressures — a big credit to OL coach Cole Popovich.
Veterans returning from injury made positive impacts.
Defensive depth held up against a first-round QB with minimal scheming.
The Texans didn’t need to show everything, but they showed enough to confirm they’re headed in the right direction — and that the foundation being built up front is exactly what DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caley want it to be.
I want to hear your comments on the game, drop one below, or join me in the forum to discuss here!
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