All eyes were on the Texans’ new starting quarterback #15, Ryan Mallett as he played in his first NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on their home turf at First Energy Stadium. The frigid 30° degree temperature didn’t stop Mallet and squad from laying a frosty 23-7 win over the Browns.

Mallett scored his first touchdown in the middle of the first quarter with a two-yard pass reception caught by the unstoppable JJ Watt as he waited in the end zone.  The Texans took a 7-0 lead.   What a better way for Mallett to get notice by collaborating with the NFL’s best defensive player.

The Browns tried to score right before the end of the first quarter with a field goal attempt by kicker, Billy Cundiff but the 38-yard attempt failed to make it through the goal post. 

The Second quarter action began with a couple of JJ Watt Snafus with him running into kicker, Spencer Lanning during punt time allowing the Browns to get possession of the ball twice.  The Browns failed to convert the opportunities in points though. 

A couple of plays later, Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer, found wide receiver Andrew Hawkins where he ran for a 32-yard touchdown, putting up the Browns 7 on the scoreboard and tying the game, 7-7.

The Texans came back with just 29 seconds left in the half.  Mallett scored his second touchdown with a 20-yard pass to tight end Garrett Graham.  Texans lead the half 14-7.

After the break, Texans kicker, Randy Bullock hit a 46-yard field goal to make t a 17-7 game, giving Houston a 10-point lead.

In the third quarter, neither team put points on the board.  There was still some action though.  Browns, wide receiver Marlon Moore fumbled a kickoff ball and the Texans recovered it but the called was overturned.    The quarter ended with Texans still up 17-7.

In the final quarter, the Texans put up two more field goals with a 37-yard kick goal by Randy Bullock followed by a half-field 50-yard kick giving the Texans six points. The final score Texans 23 over the Browns 7.

A good day for Mallett, he completed 20 of 30 passes for 211yards.  An even better game day for JJ Watt, in addition to his touchdown, he recorded a strip sack and made five tackles.  Watt is the first defensive lineman to score four times in a season since 1948.

The Texans now stand (5-5).  They will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 23 at NRG Stadium.

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com