Houston ? Jake Plummer accomplished his goal to get an early touchdown for the Denver Broncos, then Bradlee Van Pelt and Matt Mauck each made their case to be his understudy.

Todd Devoe broke free with a short pass from Mauck, then scampered 92 yards late in the fourth quarter to provide the winning margin in the Broncos’ 20-14 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday night.

Van Pelt, who was 10-for-17 for 107 yards, spent all of last season on the practice squad and hadn’t appeared in a game since last preseason. He took over early in the second quarter for Plummer, who played three series and tossed a 3-yard TD pass to tight end Stephen Alexander that tied the game at 7.

“We wanted to score on the very first drive to get the guys off the field,” Plummer said. “We got a touchdown in the red zone, and that’s what we needed.”

Falcons 16, Ravens 3

Atlanta – Falcons newcomer Todd Peterson made three field goals, and Ty Detmer threw an 18-yard pass to Mark Anelli for the lone touchdown in Atlanta’s victory. Michael Vick played two series in the first quarter, then called it a night. Two years ago, the standout quarterback broke his leg in a preseason game against the Ravens, costing him the first 11 weeks of the regular season.

Jaguars 27, Dolphins 17

Houston running back Domanick Davis (37) runs through a hole for a gain of six yards during the first quarter against Denver. The Broncos edged the Texans, 20-14, Saturday in Houston.

Jacksonville, Fla. – David Allen returned a punt 76 yards for a score, and Ernest Wilford caught a 19-yard touchdown pass. Miami had limited success on offense, with Ricky Williams running six times for 39 yards and Chris Chambers making a 16-yard circus catch. Quarterbacks Gus Frerotte and A.J. Feeley did little to separate themselves in the team’s most hype position battle, and the offensive line continued to look lost against stunts and blitzes.

Panthers 28, Redskins 10

Charlotte, N.C. – Former Washington receiver Rod Gardner had a 21-yard touchdown catch on Carolina’s first drive, helping the Panthers extend their preseason winning streak to 10 games.

Bills 17, Colts 10

Indianapolis – J.P. Losman threw a TD pass, and Buffalo’s Lauvale Sape returned a blocked punt for a score in the Bills’ victory over the Colts, who used Peyton Manning for just three snaps in an ugly preseason game.

Browns 17, Giants 14

Cleveland – First-year Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel had his debut diluted by severe weather that caused a lengthy delay in the first quarter, but he got his first exhibition win when the Browns rallied. Rookie quarterback Charlie Frye threw a 19-yard TD pass to tight end Paul Irons in the third quarter to put Cleveland up 14-7.