Detroit Lions wide receiver Deontez Alexander, left, is tackled short of the goal line by Texans linebacker Chris Landrum in the second half of their preseason game Saturday in Houston. (AP photo)

HOUSTON — Houston’s Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins knew they weren’t going to get much playing time on Saturday night so they were intent on making the few plays they got count.

“Just trying to go out there and be perfect,” Hopkins said. “We don’t have many plays so those plays that you do have, you want to make them the best.”

Watson took advantage of one series in his preseason debut, looking sharp in quarterbacking a 75-yard drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass to Hopkins to help the Houston Texans to a 30-23 win over the Detroit Lions.

Watson, who sat out in a loss to Green Bay last week, was 5 of 7 for 60 yards and scrambled once for 7 yards.

Hopkins, also making his preseason debut, had two receptions for 17 yards and shook off Detroit’s Quandre Diggs to get open for the Texans’ first TD.

QB Matthew Stafford didn’t play for the second straight week as Detroit instead started Josh Johnson. Johnson was signed a week ago after backup Tom Savage suffered a head injury in the team’s preseason opener against the Patriots.

Johnson was 9 of 18 for 85 yards with an interception and Patricia said he appreciates the work he’s done in the short time he’s been with the team.