Quarterback Andy Dalton, first-team defense shine for New Orleans Saints in 17-13 loss to Texans in preseason opener

Dalton goes 5 for 5 with TD pass, defense produces two three-and-outs

Aug 14, 2022 at 08:59 AM

John DeShazier

Senior Writer

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The culmination of the New Orleans Saints' preseason opener was along the lines of what can be expected of a first preseason game: Some good, some bad, some sharp, some sloppy, some head-turners and some head-scratchers.

And a great deal of film to study and improve off for the Saints, who dropped a 17-13 decision to the Texans on Saturday night at NRG Stadium in Houston.

New Orleans had to have been pleased with what it saw from its starting units on offense and defense; a 10-play, 67-yard touchdown drive directed by quarterback Andy Dalton (five for five for 51 yards and a 9-yard score) and two three-and-outs generated by the defense.

"I was pleased with the way the first units went in there and played," Coach Dennis Allen said. "We'll get back and take a look at the tape and have a better evaluation, but there were some good things I saw tonight."

It couldn't have been a cleaner open and Dalton, especially, was sharp with completions to four receivers. His touchdown pass to running back Dwayne Washington was a perfectly-executed screen – Washington patiently allowed left guard Andrus Peat and center Erik McCoy to get in position to throw the blocks and cleared his path to the end zone.

And defensively, the Saints allowed 33 yards and no first downs in the first quarter as it choked off the Texans' offense. From there, though, New Orleans experienced more uneven play than it hoped, but perhaps along the lines of what could be expected when teams haven't had tons of live tackling and physical reps throughout training camp.

Three turnovers, including an interception and lost fumble from quarterback Ian Book, helped deliver 10 points to Houston. Rookie running back Abram Smith lost a fumble inside the red zone, which likely kept points off the board. A dropped touchdown pass by Tre'Quan Smith turned a possible seven points into three, and rookie left tackle Trevor Penning and second-year right tackle Landon Young had some protection hiccups that led to a Book taking a couple of sacks that he'll feel today.

And a couple of defensive lapses helped set up both Houston touchdowns, the final one coming inside the last minute where a pair of busted coverages led to open receivers and the deciding score.

But Book (15 of 22 for 121 yards), who played every offensive series after Dalton started and played the opening drive, steadied himself after the two turnovers and showed flashes even after a couple of rattling sacks. The running game picture may not have cleared much behind Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, because each back who played – Washington (nine carries for 19 yards, three catches for 18 and a touchdown), Tony Jones (seven carries for 27 yards), Devine Ozigbo (eight carries for 26) and Smith (seven for 30) – had a moment or two, though Smith's lost fumble stained his.

And the defense forced three turnovers – all interceptions – as it buckled down until its final drive. Linebacker Chase Hansen, safety Justin Evans and cornerback Brian Allen provided the interceptions.

Photos: Game Action | Saints at Texans Preseason Week 1 2022

New Orleans Saints players in action during their 2022 Preseason Week 1 game against the Houston Texans.

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton and defensive backs Paulson Adebo and J.T. Gray in action during their 2022 Preseason Week 1 game against the Houston Texans.