Visitor:  Houston Texans

Home:  Kansas City Chiefs

Date:  August 15, 2009

Preseason Week 1

 

Scoring:

Team               1          2          3          4          Final

HOU               7          6          3          0            16

KC                  0          3          0          7            10

 

Visitor playmakers:

RB Chris Brown

 

Home playmakers:

TE Brad Cottam

 

Network:  Chiefs Television Network (KCTV Kansas City)

Announcers:  Dave Armstrong, Jayice Pearson

 

Pregame:  Yes

Halftime:  Yes

Postgame:  Yes

Commercials:  Yes

 

Grade:  9/10

 

Notes:  There's nothing like playing the preseason opener in a driving rain that causes a lot of slipping and sliding and missed assignments.

 

There was plenty of that on both sides, but less by the Houston Texans, who beat the Kansas City Chiefs 16-10 on Saturday night.

 

In spite of the loss, Haley admitted it was a night he'll never forget. Since being hired as the Chiefs' coach about six months ago, Haley made a point of not setting foot in Arrowhead Stadium until the preseason began.

 

Matt Cassel, acquired in an offseason trade with the New England Patriots and locked up with a six-year, $63 million contract, played only three series and had spotty success in his first appearance before Chiefs fans. He tried five passes and completed two for 15 yards, and he wasn't nearly as productive as likely backup Brodie Croyle.

 

The Texans led 13-0 at halftime and 13-3 deep into the fourth quarter until Tyler Thigpen, the third Chiefs quarterback, hit Brad Cottam with a 1-yard touchdown pass.

 

Nobody in a Chiefs uniform had a better game than Dwayne Bowe, and perhaps nobody needed one more.  Bowe, who has spent much of training camp in Haley's doghouse, didn't come into the game until Croyle replaced Cassel with about 5½ minutes left in the half, and the wide receiver immediately caught a 14-yard pass. Bowe wound up with a team-high five catches for 70 yards.

 

Running time:  3:04 (2 DVDs)