• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Fitzpatrick, Texans rout Falcons

Aug 17, 2014 - 3:38 AM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Ryan Fitzpatrick went 9-of-12 for 97 yards and a touchdown pass as the Houston Texans defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 32-7, in a preseason matchup.

Jonathan Grimes led Houston's rushers with 42 yards off nine carries and Alfred Blue reached the end zone from a yard out on his third consecutive carry for a 7-0 Houston lead with 1:19 to play in the opening quarter.

Sean Renfree took over for Atlanta starting quarterback Matt Ryan, who went just 3-of-7 for 37 yards, midway through the second quarter and connected with Devin Hester for a 12-yard touchdown to tie the game with 1:32 play in the first half.

The Texans, however, reclaimed the lead with 25 seconds left before halftime. Two plays after Fitzpatrick's 31-yard pass to Keshawn Martin placed the offense at Atlanta's 15-yard line, DeVier Posey caught an 8-yard pass for a touchdown, though rookie kicker Chris Boswell missed the extra point for a 13-7 edge heading into the half.

Randy Bullock kicked a 40-yard field goal on Houston's first drive of the second half to make it a 16-7 game

Case Keenum and the Texans marched down to the Atlanta's 22-yard line on their next drive before Keenum's pass over the middle to Ryan Griffin was picked off by Kemal Ishmael at the 2-yard line.

The Falcons gained just two yards before punting the ball. Matt Bosher's punt was deflected and Grimes returned the ball 17 yards for a Houston touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Andre Hal picked off Atlanta's T.J. Yates and took the it back for a 64-yard touchdown with 6:46 left, but Bullock missed the extra point to make it a 29-7 game.

Boswell tacked on a 33-yard field goal with 3:18 remaining to account for the final score.