How Houston Texans can capitalize on Bill O’Brien ‘revenge game’

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The Houston Texans revealed on Monday that rookie quarterback CJ Stroud will start in their first preseason game of the season which is against the New England Patriots this Thursday.

We also found out recently that right tackle Tytus Howard is out for the next 4–6 weeks after sustaining a hand injury that required surgery. Texans center Scott Quessenberry also won't be available and will miss the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury. Add that to the fact that Laremy Tunsil isn't likely to play, and you have a scary o-line situation for a rookie QB looking to make his debut.

With the state of the offensive line in mind, how much should Stroud play on Thursday, and what are we hoping to see from his performance?

Plus, it's all good vibes in Houston with the hiring of DeMeco Ryans and adding some top draft picks to the roster. But how will Texans fans feel when they see Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien during Thursday night's game?

Will fans still hold a grudge for how he imploded the team, or have Texans fans moved on, and are just happy that the team is in a better place now?

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The Astros beat the Cubs, 7-4. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images.

Cam Smith hit a three-run homer in his first game against the Cubs since being traded to Houston and Brandon Walter threw six solid innings in his first MLB victory as the Astros beat Chicago 7-4 on Friday night.

Yainer Diaz added a three-run homer as AL West-leading Houston extended its winning streak to five games.

The Astros scored four runs in the third off Cubs starter Cade Horton (3-2), with Jose Altuve scoring on a sacrifice fly by Victor Caratini before Diaz capped the inning with his 377-foot shot to left-center.

Smith, a first-round draft selection by Chicago last year was acquired by the Astros in the offseason as part of the deal for Kyle Tucker, extended Houston’s lead to 7-0 in the fourth with his home run off the left field façade, his sixth of the season. Smith had two hits and scored two runs.

Walter (1-1), a 28-year-old left-hander, allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Josh Hader got the final out for his 22nd save.

Jeremy Peña exited in the fifth with left rib soreness. He was hit by a pitch in his left side in the second. There was no immediate word on the extent of his injury.

Nico Hoerner hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Matt Shaw added a two-run double in the seventh and an RBI double in the ninth for NL Central-leading Chicago.

Horton allowed seven runs on eight hits with four walks in four innings.

Tucker was hitless in his return to Houston. He kept the game scoreless in the first, throwing Isaac Paredes out at the plate to end the frame.

Key moment

Hader inducing a lineout to center by Ian Happ to end it with Tucker, representing the tying run, on deck.

Key stat

Houston has its second five-game winning streak for the month of June, and improved to an MLB-best 18-6 this month.

Up next

Cubs RHP Colin Rea (4-3, 4.42 ERA) starts the second game of the three-game series Saturday. Houston has not named a starter.

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