WIll Fulller has not seen the field much, but he showed up Sunday. Tim Warner/Getty Images
He's back and he's better than ever. Will Fuller made his return to the Texans and continued the dominance he displayed last season when he and Deshaun Watson constantly connected for game-breaking plays. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Texans lost to the Titans 20-17.
The third-year pass catcher was the main target for Watson today as he caught 8 passes for 113 yards and a score. The touchdown early in the fourth quarter gave the Texans their first lead of the game. Speeding down the sideline Fuller pulled down a Watson strike with Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler draped all over him.
In the first half, Fuller found success despite the struggles of Watson and the offensive line. He caught three passes for 22 yards but that was just the appetizer for the main course in the second half.
Almost all of Fuller's catches in the second half earned the Texans a first down or a score. He had catches of 20, 15, and 16 yards before his 39-yard score. It would, however, be their last score of the game.
Fuller caught balls on schedule and off as Watson used his legs to buy time. He didn't display any of the inconsistencies in his game that were present in previous years. He was a very bright spot in an ugly performance by the Texans offense.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
The Houston Astros are finally starting to show signs of turning the corner. After a sluggish start to the season, the offense is beginning to click, the pitching staff remains dominant, and the impact of the Kyle Tucker trade is starting to look like a clear win.
One of the more encouraging developments has been the recent plate discipline from Christian Walker. Known for his power but also for chasing pitches out of the zone, Walker has now drawn multiple walks in four straight games. It's a sign that his approach is tightening up—and he's recovered from his oblique discomfort, starting every game this season.
Yainer Diaz has also provided a much-needed spark. After a quiet stretch at the plate, Diaz came alive with a grand slam against the Angels, his most impactful swing of the year and a potential sign that his bat is heating up.
But the biggest buzz in Houston may be around the players acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade. Cam Smith has looked like he belongs in the big leagues, holding his own at the plate and flashing confidence in the field. Isaac Paredes, meanwhile, has posted a higher OPS than Alex Bregman, while right-hander Hayden Wesneski turned heads by striking out 10 Angels in a dominant start. Early returns suggest the deal could pay off big for the Astros.
Statistically, the Astros offense is still a work in progress, but it's no longer at the bottom of the barrel. After sitting dead last in slugging and near the bottom in OPS last week, Houston has climbed to 23rd in team OPS—right in the mix with the Rangers and Mariners. Slugging percentage still lags behind (27th overall), but there's some movement in the right direction.
Houston has scored the 21st-most runs in the league—better than only the Rangers in the AL West. Yet thanks to strong pitching, the Astros sit at +2 in run differential, the only team in the division with a positive mark.
That pitching has been the backbone of the team so far. Houston ranks 13th in ERA at 3.69, is third in opponent batting average (.190), and leads all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts with 166. It’s a staff that keeps them in every game and has the potential to dominate when the offense catches up.
The early season numbers still reflect a team trying to find its footing, but the signs are there. If the recent progress continues—Walker’s improved discipline, Diaz’s power, and the emergence of new contributors—Houston could soon be back to the top of the AL West.
We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!
ChatGPT assisted.
___________________________
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!