The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS—Brian Hoyer led scoring drives on two of his first three series since being named Houston’s starting quarterback, and the Texans went on to a 27-13 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints yesterday.
All three Texans quarterbacks led scoring drives. Ryan Mallett, who was upset this past week upon learning he’d be the backup, threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jaelen Strong. In the fourth quarter, Tom Savage hit Chandler Worthy for a 6-yard score.
Hoyer was 7 of 11 for 82 yards. Mallett 9 of 17 for 77 yards, and Savage 5 of 7 for 58 yards.
The Saints (0-3) outgained the Texans (2-1), 393 yards to 292 yards, with New Orleans reserve running back Edwin Baker scoring on a 45-yard run.
New Orleans’ first two trips inside Houston’s 20 produced only three points. The Saints also committed 11 penalties for 148 yards. Drew Brees marched the Saints 75 yards for a field goal on his lone series, completing his first four passes for 40 yards before his last two fell incomplete inside the 20.
In other NFL pre-season action yesterday, the Arizona Cardinals rallied to beat the Oakland Raiders 30-23, while the Denver Broncos beat the San Francisco 49ers 19-12.
