Marlin Klein's 31-Yard Flex Has DeMeco Ryans Buzzing — Even in a Texans Preseason L

HOUSTON — It wasn't pretty. It wasn't close. But buried under the Texans' 27-7 preseason beatdown at the hands of the Chargers was a serious slice of rookie spice that has DeMeco Ryans talking.

Second-round pick Marlin Klein introduced himself to the NFL with a 31-yard reception on Houston's opening drive — a flash of juice in a game where the big-name starters were mostly chilling on the sideline.

Yeah, C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert never suited up. This one was all about the backups, the rookies, and guys fighting for a roster spot.

The Charge of the Chargers

Amar Johnson was the star of the night for Los Angeles, bullying his way to two rushing touchdowns and adding a ridiculous 55-yard catch that set up another score. Johnson's 1-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter plus a 2-point conversion pushed the Chargers to a 21-7 lead, and D.J. Uiagalelei capped it with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Ross.

Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick, looked solid in relief — 12-of-20 for 164 yards with an interception. Not perfect, but enough to keep the chains moving.

Texans QB Shuffle

Davis Mills started for Houston and led a crisp opening drive, hitting Jared Wayne for a 5-yard touchdown while playing behind the starting offensive line. Then came the weird part: Graham Mertz went down with an injury with two seconds left in the first half, forcing Mills to return for the rest of the game.

Mills finished 9-of-15 for 82 yards. Not flashy, but steady.

Rookie Watch

This was a mega night for first-year players. Keylan Rutledge, the 26th overall pick, started at center with Houston's starting line. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a second-rounder, looked legit in limited snaps. And then there's Klein — the 31-yard grab on the first drive that clearly left an impression on his head coach.

On the Chargers' side, first-round defensive end Akheem Mesidor and second-round offensive lineman Jake Slaughter both made their presences felt.

Kicking Chaos

Pro Bowler Cameron Dicker drilled field goals from 34 and 48 yards but botched an extra point in the fourth quarter. Houston's Ka'imi Fairbairn stayed on the bench, and undrafted Chris Freeman made his PAT but missed a 61-yard field goal at the end of the first half. So close.

Next up: The Chargers host San Francisco, while the Texans welcome Las Vegas. Both games next Thursday night. And if Klein keeps making plays like that, don't be shocked if he's got a bigger role waiting.