Rapid Rewind: Allen sharp, TeSlaa scores again, Texans romp in preseason finale

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Detroit — There was already no doubt entering the day. Still, Kyle Allen put an exclamation point on his case to serve as the Detroit Lions’ backup quarterback anyway in the team’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans.

Allen completed all five of his throws, including a 33-yard touchdown to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa, exiting the contest with the Lions in front, 7-3.

The rest of Saturday afternoon’s game belonged to the Texans, who rattled off 23 unanswered points to earn the 26-7 victory.

With a handful of roster spots on the line, Detroit’s reserve defenders struggled to make their cases, allowing the Texans to rack up 212 yards and 16 points in the first half.

Texans quarterback Graham Mertz, third on the team’s depth chart, drew the start and completed 14-of-16 for 145 yards and a touchdown while playing the first two quarters. Mertz also ran for two key first downs on a pair of touchdown drives.

The Lions conclude the preseason with a 1-3 record.

Starters

Offense: Kyle Allen, Craig Reynolds, Shane Zylstra, Zach Horton, Isaac TeSlaa, Tom Kennedy, Giovanni Manu, Netane Muti, Kingsley Eguakun, Kayode Awosika, Dan Skipper

Defense: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Pat O’Connor, Chris Smith, Myles Adams, Trevor Nowaske, Zach Cunningham, Grant Stuard, Allan George, Nick Whiteside, Erick Hallett, Rock Ya-Sin

Game ball

Allen capped a stellar preseason, completing 26-of-30 passes across the final three games with the 5-for-5 showing against the Texans.

Scoring summary

First quarter

● 7:12 — With their first possession, the Texans quickly picked up a 24-yard gain on a pass to Xavier Hutchinson, then moved across midfield with an 11-yard scramble by Mertz. However, Detroit’s defense was able to course correct with Adams stuffing a run on third-and-1 before the Texans jumped early ahead of a fourth-down try, ultimately settling for a 53-yard Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal. TEXANS 3, LIONS 0

● 1:52 — After a pair of first-down passes to running back Reynolds, Allen found TeSlaa on a slant for a third-down conversion to keep the series alive. Three snaps later, Allen lofted a perfect deep ball down the right sideline for the touchdown to TeSlaa, capping a 10-play, 85-yard drive. LIONS 7, TEXANS 3

Second quarter

● 12:22 — Taking over at midfield after a long kickoff return, the Texans needed eight plays to retake the lead. Mertz scrambled for another first down, and running back Woody Marks ran through the tackle effort of defensive lineman Keith Cooper in the backfield on the way to a 12-yard scoring romp. TEXANS 10, LIONS 7

● 4:46 — Houston’s offense stayed hot with an 11-play, 89-yard scoring series. A lack of pass-rush pressure hurt the Lions on a 26-yard pass that converted a third-and-11. That was followed up by an 18-yard Dare Ogunbowale run around the right edge, setting up first-and-goal from the 6-yard line. From there, Mertz connected on a fade to former Lions receiver Quintez Cephus, who won the jump ball over cornerback D.J. Miller.

Houston wasn’t able to get the extra point off after a bad snap. TEXANS 16, LIONS 7

Third quarter

● None

Fourth quarter

● 12:58 — Following a Hendon Hooker interception, the Texans extended their lead with a four-play touchdown drive. Quarterback Kedon Slovis found receiver Daniel Jackson on a crossing pattern out of play-action. Lions safety Ian Kennelly appeared to be responsible after a coverage switch, but was late to react. TEXANS 23, LIONS 7

● 6:35 — Taking over with a short field after a failed fourth-point try by the Lions, the Texans picked up a pair of first downs, setting up Fairbairn to knock down a 48-yard field goal. TEXANS 26, LIONS 7

Turnovers

● Despite getting badly beaten off the line by Cephus, Lions cornerback Tyson Russell was able to intercept the pass early in the fourth when the receiver bobbled the ball.

● On the ensuing snap, Hooker overthrew a well-covered Dominic Lovett across the middle, putting the ball directly into the chest of Texans deep safety Jalen Mills.

Key stats

● Allen was a perfect 5-for-5 for 66 yards with the touchdown to TeSlaa, posting a perfect passer rating. It's the second time he's accomplished the feat in the past three preseason games.

Hooker’s best pass, a 30-yard completion to Ronnie Bell, was wiped out by a penalty. Hooker finished 6-for-11 for 70 yards and the interception. He was also sacked twice, losing 15 yards.

● TeSlaa caught both of his targets for 41 yards and a touchdown.

● Running back Jacob Saylors was Detroit’s most productive offensive player, tallying 59 yards from scrimmage with nine carries and three receptions.

● Safety Loren Strickland led the defense with nine tackles, including one for a loss. Nowaske chipped in eight stops.

Muhammad had Detroit’s only sack.

Notable

● The Lions announced former defensive end Robert Porcher would be the 22nd player inducted into the team’s “Pride of the Lions.”

Injuries

● Linebacker Ezekiel Turner left the game with a lower right leg injury in the third quarter.

Next game

The Lions will open the regular season against the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 4:25 p.m.