However, his touch was impressive in the 32-0 win over the Texans, with only a lone deep ball hitting the turf.

"I felt very comfortable," Thomas said. "Don't get me wrong, I messed up my fair share of stuff, but I felt good, I felt relaxed. A lot more relaxed than I thought I was going to be going into that game."

Thomas played the entire second half and led the offense to 10 fourth-quarter points, highlighted by a scramble and 12-yard touchdown pass to Dan Buckner with 1:53 remaining in the game.

After facing off against the highly-rated Cardinals defense in practice all offseason, Thomas said he felt very prepared for this contest.

"I think we saw tonight how good our defense is, and when you're playing against that every day it definitely makes things tough," Thomas said. "On the other hand, it makes things great as a quarterback because you get to learn a lot."

Coach Bruce Arians was impressed by Thomas' demeanor and his production. The game performance surpassed his practice showings, and Arians said it's an important developmental step for a player who needs the repetitions.

"You never know until (the lights) go on," Arians said. "This is the beauty of the preseason. People that want to get rid of preseason games don't have young quarterbacks. If they don't get preseason games, they have no chance."

BENARD WITH THE 'PRETTY' PICK