Texans vs Redskins: Observations
The good, bad and ugly: Texans ski-mask their way to another win
The Texans won their seventh in a row beating the Skins 23-21. This was a whirlwind of a game that had swings in momentum all the way until the end. Here’s what I observed:
The Good
-Rookie safety Justin Reid came up with a 101-yard pick six when the Skins were threatening to score before halftime. It’s his third pick on the season. He continues to show why he was potentially the steal of the draft in the third round.
-The run game looked healthy today totaling 139 yards on 31 carries. The Skins run defense was ranked fifth with a 90.9 yards per game average coming into today. This performance was needed since the pass game underperformed.
-I only saw Jadeveon Clowney rush from the standing linebacker position to the middle of the offensive line twice in the first half. Both times, he caused trouble. They lined him up there more in the second half and he got a sack on one crucial third down in the fourth quarter forcing a punt. I love seeing him rush inside from that standing position almost as much as I like tacos.
The Bad
-Deshaun Watson completed a pass to five different Texans, but none of them were to Demariyus Thomas! They spent a couple draft picks to get him in wake of Will Fuller being out for the season. This was akin to buying a used luxury vehicle, but not driving it.
-I tweeted out the kid smiley face when I saw Colt McCoy was coming into the game for the Skins. He ended up leading the Skins to taking the lead in the fourth quarter which was the first time they had a lead change all season!
-Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed two field goals today (44 and 45 yarders). The second would’ve required the Skins to score a touchdown to win. Luckily the Skins missed a 63-yarder that could have won the game.
The Ugly
-Before half time, the team lost Zach Fulton and Senio Kelemete to injury. It’s especially tough when they came into the game with seven offensive linemen on the game day roster. Neither came back into the game.
-Watson threw two picks today. He hasn’t thrown one in the last three games. This could have cost them the game given the way it was played so close. His decision-making under pressure has to improve.
-Skins quarterback Alex Smith was sandwiched between Watt and Kareem Jackson on a sack. Unfortunately, it appears as if his leg was broken in the process. Huge sign of the respect he has earned when both teams came over to check on him.
The Texans seventh straight win after starting 0-3 was the first time since 1925 that has happened. Most of the wins have been as improbable as today’s. This team has almost given away games all season. Somehow, they’ve found a way to escape. They are like the villain in a movie that keeps getting away with their crimes. Hopefully, they won’t get caught any time soon.
