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There was one glaring spark during the Houston Texans' preseason opener on Saturday, the 90-yard touchdown from punt returner Trindon Holliday. The former LSU track star is trying to make the team, and his stellar return in the Texans' 26-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers seemed to help his cause (via SB Nation blog Battle Red Blog).
The primary returner for the night was Trindon Holliday, who finally had a breakthrough. Holliday was average on three punt returns, primarily due to poor blocking, but excelled with kickoffs with an average of 53 yards per return. Even when you remove the 90-yard return for a touchdown--more on that in a second--he still averaged 34.5 YPR.
However, for Holliday, who sat out 2010 (thumb injury) and '11 (hamstring), he needs to show he's reliable and can make better decisions and not turn the ball over, special teams coach Joe Marciano told the associated press earlier this week.
"Up until this week, it almost seems like he misjudges or drops a punt a day," Marciano said. "He can hit home runs, but he’s got to be able to catch the ball. He’s got to make good decisions, and he’s got to be a consistent decision-maker on punt returns."
Holliday is trying to hold off Davin Meggett, who fielded two punts Saturday, but fair caught one and let another bounce into the end zone for a touchback.
NFL Preseason Video Series: San Diego Chargers 2012 Training Camp Battles (via sbnnfl)
For more on Houston Texas football, check out the SB Nation blog Battle Red Blog.