NEW ORLEANS — Brian Hoyer led scoring drives on two of his first three series since being named Houston’s starting quarterback, and the Texans went on to a 27-13 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
All three Texans quarterbacks led scoring drives. Ryan Mallett, who was upset this past week upon learning he’d be the backup, threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jaelen Strong. In the fourth quarter, Tom Savage hit Chandler Worthy for a 6-yard score.
Hoyer was 7 of 11 for 82 yards. Mallett 9 of 17 for 77 yards, and Savage 5 of 7 for 58 yards.
The Saints (0-3) outgained the Texans (2-1), 393 yards to 292 yards, with New Orleans reserve running back Edwin Baker scoring on a 45-yard run.
New Orleans’ first two trips inside Houston’s 20 produced only three points. The Saints also committed 11 penalties for 148 yards. Drew Brees marched the Saints 75 yards for a field goal on his lone series, completing his first four passes for 40 yards before his last two fell incomplete inside the 20.
CARDINALS 30, RAIDERS 23
OAKLAND, Calif. — Marion Grice scored on an 11-yard run with 31 seconds left and Arizona beat Oakland in a game where both first-team offenses struggled.
The Raiders (1-2) got five field goals from Sebastian Janikowski in the first half but didn’t get into the end zone until Matt McGloin led an 83-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. He capped it with a 4-yard TD pass to Kris Durham with 2:18 left and Oakland tied it when McGloin connected with Brice Butler on the 2-point conversion.
Logan Thomas answered by leading the winning drive with help from a 38-yard pass to Ifeanyi Momah.
Carson Palmer threw two interceptions and was sacked three times in a rough first half for the Cardinals (1-2).