James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans week 1 matchup with the Bills

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James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans preseason and look ahead to the regular season.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans preseason and look ahead to roster cuts.

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This session of The Bullpen podcast features a deep dive into the Houston Texans' first preseason game, focusing on roster depth, rookie performances, and the fallout from Graham Mertz’s injury. The discussion transitions from professional sports analysis to personal career updates and logistics.

Texans Preseason Analysis

Quarterback Depth & The Mertz Injury

 • Graham Mertz: Confirmed torn ACL. This creates an immediate vacancy at QB3.

 • Davis Mills: Performed well with the starters (11 plays, 75 yards, TD) but struggled when playing with third-stringers. The consensus is that he remains a high-quality backup, but not a starter.

 • Potential Replacements: Discussion of trading a late-round pick for Case Keenum (currently with the Bears) or looking at athletic options like Talen Green (Arkansas) or Dillon Gabriel.

Rookie Standouts

 • Keylan Rutledge (C): The clear winner of the game. Despite not playing center in college, he has secured the starting spot through "nastiness" and physicality. His training camp scuffle with Will Anderson Jr. is viewed as a positive sign of competitive energy.

 • Marlin Klein (TE): Initial skepticism has faded. His athleticism and background (moving from Germany, learning English to make the NFL) suggest high coachable upside.

 • Wade Woodaz (LB): Showed promise but lacked separation from the depth group. The linebacking corps appeared "flat" after the first drive.

Roster Friction & Concerns

 • Febechi Nwaiwu (OL): Criticized for a lack of physicality, particularly on QB sneaks. While likely to make the roster as a developmental 4th-round pick, his performance was a low point.

 • Defensive End (DE4): A debate on whether the team should bring back Derek Barnett. While the current roster is deep, a veteran rotation of Hunter, Anderson, Clowney, and Barnett is described as "bulletproof."

 • Punter: Kai Kroger is the current punter "for now," but the hosts expect continued competition or a veteran addition if he lacks consistency.

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James Roy and Tom discuss training camp storylines as the Texans report.

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James Roy and Tom discuss Terrion Arnold workout and Texans Training Camp.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans offseason program so far.

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James Roy and Tom Discuss the latest with the Texans OTAs.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans as they start OTAs.

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James Roy and Tom talk all things Texans so far this offseason.

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James Roy and Tom analyze the Texans 2026 schedule.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans as the offseason continues with special guest Houston Stressans

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James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans draft and Azeez Al-Shaair's extension.

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James Roy and Tom watch the draft looking at how the board falls and waiting to see what the Texans do.

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James Roy and Tom break down the Texans draft needs with 1 week left.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans and review their 7 round mock drafts.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the recent reports around the Texans and review their 7 ROUND mock drafts.

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James Roy and Tom have Abdul Memon on to preview the Gamblers season and discuss the Texans recent moves

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James Roy and Tom discuss the flurry of Texans moves through the early stages of Free Agency.

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James Roy and Tom discuss the flurry of moves the Texans have made over the past week.

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