Tag: 2024 NFL Hall of Fame

Texans vs. Bears: Brett Rypien throws 3 TDs in 21-17 storm-shortened HOF Game victory

Brett Rypien and weather delays were the kryptonite of the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears Thursday night.

There will be no late-night heroics Thursday evening in Canton, Ohio for the Houston Texans.

The NFL’s Hall of Fame exhibition opener between the Texans and Chicago Bears was suspended with 3:31 left in the third quarter due to lightning and heavy rain. After nearly 45 minutes of deliberation, both sides elected to call it instead of waiting for the weather to clear.

By default, the Bears secured a 21-17 win behind three touchdown passes from Brett Rypien. Houston struggled to duplicate its first-half success following the start of the third quarter.

Davis Mills and Case Keenum each impressed during their time on the field in the third 30 minutes of action. Mills, the Texans’ third-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, connected with tight end Teagan Quitoriano for a 9-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive to give Houston a 7-0 lead.

Keenum, who started two games last season in place of the injured C.J. Stroud, found Cam Akers for a 4-yard score with less than four minutes remaining in the second half.

Akers, a 2020 second-round pick, was a highlight on offense thanks to his suave moves in the open field. After tearing his Achilles last season with the Vikings in Week 9, Akers juked past a pair of defenders for a first-down gain in the second quarter.

His quick-cut spin move caught took Stroud by surprise on the sidelines. Everyone from Houston’s bench seemed ecstatic to see the former Florida State still have some juice left in the tank.

Rypien connected twice with Collin Johnson for scores and once with tight end Tommy Sweeny. He finished 11-of-15 passing for 166 yards. Johnson, who starred at the University of Texas finished with three catches for 56 yards.
It’s safe to say there’s work ahead of Houston before its matchup next Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The good news? All sights now turn to Andre Johnson’s Hall of Fame enshrinement on Saturday.