While the Houston Texans prepared to get their third-string quarterback T.J. Yates ready to face off against the defending NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons, who knew that the other quarterback would be the one playing like a young and inexperienced signal-caller.
Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan threw two interceptions in the first quarter to effectively kill drives for head coach Mike Smith's offense. The Texans have done an awesome job of getting pressure on Ryan, and the turnovers have helped the Texans keep their foot on the Falcons throat.
As for Yates, a 10-18 passing performance for 154 yards and a touchdown for Joel Dreessen is an achievement that Texans head coach Gary Kubiak would take from his third-stringer any Sunday.
However, the Texans will be without the services of Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Cushing for the remainder of the game and possibly longer. Trying to make a tackle in the second quarter, Cushing's knee buckled and needed help getting off the field. Later trainers took him to the locker room and the linebacker looks unlikely to return.
Check out the video of T.J. Yates connecting with Andre Johnson on a deep pass in the first half.
For more on the Houston Texans, visit Battle Red Blog and head over to The Falcoholic for more info on the Atlanta Falcons.