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The Bullpen: A Houston Texans PodcastThe home of FFSN's Houston Texans podcast. Language: en Genres: Football, News, Sports, Sports News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Live From The Bullpen: Texans Lose Preseason Opener to Chargers
Monday, 17 August, 2026
This session of The Bullpen podcast features a deep dive into the Houston Texans' first preseason game, focusing on roster depth, rookie performances, and the fallout from Graham Mertz’s injury. The discussion transitions from professional sports analysis to personal career updates and logistics.Texans Preseason AnalysisQuarterback Depth & The Mertz Injury • Graham Mertz: Confirmed torn ACL. This creates an immediate vacancy at QB3. • Davis Mills: Performed well with the starters (11 plays, 75 yards, TD) but struggled when playing with third-stringers. The consensus is that he remains a high-quality backup, but not a starter. • Potential Replacements: Discussion of trading a late-round pick for Case Keenum (currently with the Bears) or looking at athletic options like Talen Green (Arkansas) or Dillon Gabriel.Rookie Standouts • Keylan Rutledge (C): The clear winner of the game. Despite not playing center in college, he has secured the starting spot through "nastiness" and physicality. His training camp scuffle with Will Anderson Jr. is viewed as a positive sign of competitive energy. • Marlin Klein (TE): Initial skepticism has faded. His athleticism and background (moving from Germany, learning English to make the NFL) suggest high coachable upside. • Wade Woodaz (LB): Showed promise but lacked separation from the depth group. The linebacking corps appeared "flat" after the first drive.Roster Friction & Concerns • Febechi Nwaiwu (OL): Criticized for a lack of physicality, particularly on QB sneaks. While likely to make the roster as a developmental 4th-round pick, his performance was a low point. • Defensive End (DE4): A debate on whether the team should bring back Derek Barnett. While the current roster is deep, a veteran rotation of Hunter, Anderson, Clowney, and Barnett is described as "bulletproof." • Punter: Kai Kroger is the current punter "for now," but the hosts expect continued competition or a veteran addition if he lacks consistency.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
