In a preseason-opening game between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots, rookie wide receiver Tank Dell made a stunning circus touchdown catch that has already become a contender for catch of the year. With just seconds left in the first half, quarterback Davis Mills threw a back shoulder pass towards the goal line. Cornerback Isaiah Bolden was tightly covering Dell, but Dell managed to get both hands on the ball before it was tipped into the air. While on his back, Dell reached out with his right hand and secured the ball before it hit the ground, completing the unreal touchdown grab. The referee immediately signaled a touchdown, leaving everyone in disbelief.

Dell, a third-round pick out of the University of Houston, had an impressive first half, finishing with six catches for 65 yards. Mills, who started 15 games last season and is vying for the starting job, had a solid performance as well, completing 9 of 12 passes for 99 yards. On the other hand, C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick for the Texans, struggled in his first NFL game. He threw an interception on his first drive and finished with a 17.7 quarterback rating.

Dell's incredible catch showcased his ability to make extraordinary plays, which is something he demonstrated during his time at the University of Houston. In 2022, Dell led the NCAA with 1,398 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-9, Dell possesses great speed and separation skills, making him a valuable addition to the Texans' receiving corps.

This game marked Dell's first taste of NFL action, and he certainly made the most of it. His five receptions and 65 yards were the most by any wide receiver in the preseason thus far.

As for Stroud, he acknowledged his mistakes and expressed a desire to improve as the preseason progresses. The battle for the starting quarterback position between Stroud and Mills remains undecided, and Stroud's lackluster performance on Thursday has added an interesting element to the decision-making process for head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Stroud made a name for himself during his time at Ohio State University, where he was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 85 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions during his impressive tenure with the Buckeyes.

The Texans have two more preseason games before the regular season begins, and all eyes will be on Stroud to see if he can bounce back from his rough start and prove himself worthy of the starting role.