Offensively is where the Texans have surprised the most.
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In the process of all that investment on offense, the defense nearly became a forgotten unit.
Though that game wasn’t very long ago, a lot has changed for the Texans since. Granted, majority were from the first quarter, but those are still great numbers from a player that a lot of people thought the Texans reached for in the draft. On top of that, the Texans seem to have found a solution to the Jared Crick Conundrum (my nickname for the Texans’ inability to find a suitable DE opposite Watt, and I include Crick on the “underwhelming” list) by bumping Jadeveon Clowney onto the defensive line full time, which works for me. Everybody from the front with Vinnie (Vince Wilfork), I mean, everybody, (John) Simon, Whitney (Mercilus), J.D.
The biggest problem for Osweiler and the Texans’ passing game are the interceptions. They are relentless in getting after the quarterback. The Texans had an easier time in taking a 23-14 win over Chicago.
McKinney was covering a WR on the last play of the half. Jay Cutler spent most of the fourth quarter running for his life. The defense the Chiefs has may not be the best they have seen in recent years, but it is just as solid as the offense and could hold off the Texans just enough to get the win.
FILLING IN FOR CHARLES: Spencer Ware powered Kansas City’s running game last week with Jamaal Charles still out after last year’s knee surgery.
With both teams expected to make the AFC playoffs, this game, even in week two, provides some tie breaker opportunities to the victor. Today’s game has an afternoon starting time and will air on TV channels in various markets and made available as a live stream online option. Houston should also be able to step up on defense and pose problems for Alex Smith with their tenacious pass rush. We have to get it back. The three defensive fumble recoveries in the first half is a franchise record.
Through the first two weeks, the Texans defense has definitely been their strongest unit. Team owner Bob McNair was not among them.
The Texans brought a mix of pressure against Smith, blitzing one moment and then dropping eight men in coverage the next.
As we saw past year throughout the AFC playoffs, a good pass rush can make any quarterback look like a mortal.
Newton showed no ill effects from the four helmet-to-helmet hits he took in Carolina’s season-opening loss to Denver.
The Chiefs put together a nice – but penalty-plagued – drive, finally moving the ball by operating out of the no-huddle they used while mounting a 21-point comeback in Week 1 against San Diego.
It was the biggest comeback in franchise history, but the Chiefs have to be anxious about the state of their defense, which was getting ripped up by Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen before Allen suffered a torn ACL.
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It was a lot of risky moves, but the early returns are promising so far.
