Ryan Fitzpatrick looks for Andre Johnson early, often

DENVER – For years, Matt Schaub’s go-to receiver and in-game security blanket was wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Ryan Fitzpatrick kept the Johnson connection in vogue Saturday, during the Texans’ preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field.

With Johnson making his first start of the exhibition season and Fitzpatrick seeking his second consecutive strong outing, the Texans’ starting quarterback targeted No. 80 three times on the team’s opening offensive drive, connecting twice for 15 yards.

On the Texans’ second drive, Fitzpatrick threw high to Johnson on second down for an incompletion. Four of Fitzpatrick’s initial eight passes were intended for Johnson.

The veteran receiver missed the initial portion of training camp due to a hamstring strain. He had a strong week of practice against Denver, though, and was announced as being active about 90 minutes before kickoff.

Johnson returned for the Texans’ first scoring drive, pairing with receiver DeAndre Hopkins along the left side as the Texans took a 7-3 lead with 8 minutes, 23 seconds left in the second quarter.


(blog.chron.com)