Texans vs. Cardinals first quarter recap: Defense shows up in the desert, 2-0

The Houston Texans defense showed up to let the Arizona Cardinals they were ready to play with a 2-0 lead after one quarter.

Cardinals 1st drive (5 plays, 15 yards, 2:23) — Arizona seems to be moving the ball well until DT Maliek Collins sacked QB Kyler Murray on a second-and-10, forcing the Cardinals into a third-and-long. Arizona couldn’t convert and had to punt.

Texans 1st drive (3 plays, -6 yards, 1:41) — QB Davis Mills was sacked on a third-and-7, which resulted in a three-and-out.

Cardinals 2nd drive (3 plays, -12 yards, 2:19) — A high snap doomed the Cardinals’ drive as it was second-and-long immediately. DE DeMarcus Walker was able to get a sack on that ensuing second down, which resulted in Arizona giving up with a handoff to RB James Conner on a third-and-36.

Texans 2nd drive (7 plays, 33 yards, 5:17) — To sum up the Texans’ season thus far, Houston had a third-and-2 at the Cardinals’ 31-yard line. RB David Johnson may have gained it, but TE Jordan Akins’ chop block backed it up third-and-17. Houston didn’t gain a yard on the ensuing play, were out of field goal range, and had to punt.

Cardinals 3rd drive (1 play, -2 yards, 0:08) — To sum up Arizona’s game thus far, after being backed up at their own 1-yard line, the Cardinals have Murray run a run-pass option, and he ends up tackled for a safety. Texans, 2-0

Texans 3rd drive () — With a free possession, Houston at least gets into Cardinals territory to try a 53-yard field goal.