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Punt return by Jackson helps Bucs sink Texans

Aug 29, 2008 - 3:42 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Dexter Jackson returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers downed the Houston Texans, 16-6, on Thursday in the preseason finale for both teams.

Jackson, a second-round pick from the Appalachian State team that shocked Michigan in the opening week of college football in 2007, raced around the corner and sprinted down the field untouched early in the second quarter.

"We are excited about that," Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said of Jackson's return. "He had a big reverse for us earlier in the game and that guy is really fast. We are happy about that."

Matt Bryant added field goals of 40, 29 and 31 yards in the fourth quarter for the Buccaneers (3-1).

Neither starter Jeff Garcia nor backup Brian Griese took a snap for the Buccaneers. Chris Simms, Josh Johnson and Luke McCown combined to go 22-of-33 for 201 yards and one interception (thrown by Simms).

Garcia has less than two quarters of work in the preseason, but says he will be ready to face the New Orleans Saints on September 7.

"I think my main reps have to come in practice, mentally getting sharp and physically doing what I need to do," Garcia said. "Getting those reps in practice this week, I feel like I will be at a place where I need to be to start the opener."

The Texans (2-2) gave starting quarterback Matt Schaub the night off and their offense followed suit, producing 195 yards behind Shane Boyd, Sage Rosenfels and Alex Brink.

"They pushed us around on the line of scrimmage pretty good," said coach Gary Kubiak, whose Texans open the season in Pittsburgh on September 7.

Kris Brown kicked field goals of 53 and 41 yards for Houston.