The Houston Texans beat the New England Patriots Thursday night at Gillette Stadium to earn their first preseason win of 2023.
The Texans got the first victory for new coach DeMeco Ryans with a 20-9 performance.
However, the Texans could have lost 100-0 for all anyone really cared. The biggest piece of the game was the first two offensive series with C.J. Stroud under center.
The No. 2 overall pick showed he still has room to grow. The rest of the Texans showcased their skills and other areas for improvement.
Here are some of the best reactions found on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
As for C.J Stroud, if you are going to seriously judge the kid after playing less than a quarter of football… you gotta chill out a bit
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) August 11, 2023
C.J. Stroud's NFL debut was, quite frankly, AWFUL…
— Christopher Freeman (@crf2464) August 11, 2023
NGL first look at C.J. Stroud bro looked a little nervous.🫨 Honestly it's early but those was second & third stringer's out there beside Jalen Mills . 👀 Hopefully he plays calm in his nxt start. 🤭💯 #Stroud #Texans
— Roberto Del Rio (@RDR_FoodReviews) August 11, 2023
C.J. Stroud did look shaky to say the least, but everyone looks shaky behind a garbage O-Line.
— Antelope Sports 🇳🇱 (@SportsAntelope) August 11, 2023
Bailey Zappe > C.J. Stroud
— The Gaming Grunt (@thegaminggrunt) August 11, 2023
I'm excited for this Texans defense. Offense gon catch a few bumps with the o-line issue, which could impact Stroud's development. But once they get that squared away, this team will be headed in the right direction.
— B-SimmS (@bsimmstexas) August 11, 2023
Our defense looks so much more organized and it’s beyond refreshing
— TEXANS SZNNN (@BetwnTheTackles) August 11, 2023
#Texans DEFENSE 💪🏾
— Shaun Easley (@FoxyLocsee) August 11, 2023
That defense was just as advertised! @HoustonTexans #Swarm
— Cody Grubbs (@UndisputedTexan) August 11, 2023
Welp that’s game Texans get the W Tank Dell did his thang he isn’t just hype Defense really looked good until the end over all QB job still up in the air I hope to see CJ rebound from today next game!! Go Texans 🤟🏽#WeAreTexans !!! Good night X!!!
— texansfan100% (@texanslover100) August 11, 2023
I know it’s Preseason but, my all time favorite player pre Saban era got his first win as a head coach. So happy for DeMeco Ryans!!! pic.twitter.com/IdnLgdHtVg
— Bradley Chaisson (@ChaissonBradley) August 11, 2023
Former BAMA player now Head Coach for the Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans, defense is absolutely humiliating former BAMA OC Coach Bill O’Brien and the New England Patriots!
— Morgan Plott (@MoPlott28) August 11, 2023
Felt good to watch some football. Felt even better knowing Bill O’Brien will be ruining someone else’s life this year 🙏
— Courtney McKinney (@CourtAnne1225) August 11, 2023
Seeing Bill O'Brien on the sideline during a Texans game still gives me so much anxiety, even though he's got the other team's logo on his shirt
— Robin S (@Robobs84) August 11, 2023
Bill O’Brien in great form with 9 points tonight… classic
— DRIP BAYLESS (@tallT_AE) August 11, 2023
Tank Dell leads all NFL WR’s in yards, receptions and TD’s.
*mutes conversation*
— Patrick Storm (@PatrickStormHTX) August 11, 2023
I can be the Texans offensive coordinator this season. I'd have a four-page playbook:
1) 1st down – hand it to Dameon Pierce.
2) 2nd down – hand it to Dameon Pierce.
3) 3rd down – throw it to Tank Dell.
4) Either repeat or punt.— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) August 11, 2023
Hell of a read from Henry To'oTo'o. Comes in look a missile and lays the wood to stop the run for no gain. This good looks really good. Them Alabama guys can play. Demeco and Nick Caserio had a helluva draft. #WeAreTexans
— reggie “GUTTERBALLS” bryant 🎳 (@midrangejumpr2) August 11, 2023
I feel we are fortunate to have Davis mills as a back up.
— Coach Barnes (@rumplestillWIN) August 11, 2023
Things my wife said during this first game—
Upon Davis Mills stepping on the field- “Why do I feel rage when I look at him”
After seeing Hinish – “His body and make up makes him scary”
After seeing Demo, “I love him, he seems tough but fair, even if he does look airbrushed.”
— TexanTears (@TearsTexan) August 11, 2023
