Jadeveon Clowney posted a big number in the run game. Zach Tarrant/Houstontexans.com
Pro Football Focus grades each individual player's performance and assigns them a grade. All 32 teams use Pro Football Focus.
Each week we will take a look at some of the good and bad from the Texans and a look at the upcoming opponent as well. They also do great fantasy analysis and draft coverage as well. You can join Pro Football Focus here.
Jadeveon Clowney - 90.2 Run Defense Grade
He was an absolute monster along the lines of what he has become known for on this Texans defense. He scored a touchdown and the Colts rushing attack was almost non-existent. Clowney got after the quarterback but this is where he can truly show how back he is for the Texans.
Keke Coutee - 66.0 Offensive Grade
The grade might not match the box score here, but I am positive the coach's film would confirm some of this grade. Coutee was dynamic but there are certainly rookie mistakes Coutee made. He had a drop early and Bill O'Brien mentioned Coutee will see some of his mistakes and be even better when he corrects those mistakes.
Kendall Lamm - 69.4 Pass Block Grade
Taking over at right tackle Lamm performed well in his opportunity. This is the highest grade he's ever turned in. He played well slowing down a sneaky good Colts defense. Though his run block grade, 43.2, needs some improvement.
Shareece Wright - 61.8 Defensive Grade
This isn't the best grade but good enough for Wright who was pressed into heavy duty for the Texans after showing up after the season started. Wright will be getting a lot of work with Aaron Colvin's injury. He graded out 10 points higher than Johnathan Joseph and 30 points higher than Colvin.
Demarcus Lawrence - 11.4 Pass Rush Productivity
Only Khalil Mack has a better rating in this statistic. It combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to how many times they rush the passer. Lawrence is a pass rushing monster. He attacks the quarterback from the left side as good as anyone. He leads the league in sacks and could end up being one of the most terrorizing forces on the Texans schedule.
As always, you can join Pro Football Focus here.
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The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!