The games might not count yet, but we already have a contender for the NFL’s catch of the year.
In the waning seconds of the first half of the Texans’ 20-9 preseason-opening win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Thursday night, receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell made a circus touchdown catch that you have to see to believe.
Down near the goal line, quarterback Davis Mills, who came in after starter and No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud struggled in his first NFL start, threw a back shoulder pass toward the pylon on the near side of the field.
Cornerback Isaiah Bolden was draped all over Dell, who got both hands on the ball but tipped it straight into the air.
But as the pigskin came down, Dell — while on his back — grabbed the ball with his right hand before it hit the ground and he secured it with both hands for the unreal touchdown grab.
The Texans’ third-round pick finished with six catches and 65 yards in the first half.
Mills — who started 15 games last season and is battling Stroud for the starting job — finished 9 of 12 for 99 yards while playing the balance of the opening half.
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell makes a catch for a touchdown against Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell makes a catch for a touchdown against the Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConStroud, who threw an interception on the first drive, finished 2-for-4 passing with 13 yards and a 17.7 quarterback rating.
As for the 23-year-old Dell, he had three impressive seasons with the University of Houston, where he twice racked up over 1,300 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns.
His 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022 both led the NCAA.
