Houston's Houdini impresses again as Texans win across the pond
Texans player of the game: Deshaun dazzles
Nov 3, 2019, 11:33 am
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Another week, another incredible performance by Houston's Houdini Deshaun Watson.
Two defenders tackling Deshaun Watson ... and he STILL got the pass off 😮
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/y9sh8RGxo8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2019
It was one of the many times Watson was in the grasp of a Jacksonville defender, or two, and came out with positive yardage. His poise is at an all-time high and he did this without left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Watson was quite the field general getting the Texans into plays that consistently moved the ball and then impressing with his magic act against the Jags defense. He was nearly perfect in the second half as he had just one incomplete pass and jumped over another human being with ease on a almost touchdown run.
Just falling to the ground and throwing a crisp pass at the same time, nbd pic.twitter.com/nHWBGmUpGX
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) November 3, 2019
One of the most impressive pieces of Watson's game in London is the patience he displays when previously he would be overly-aggressive. One drop back where he was clean for seconds after seconds, and he continued to survey the field until a safe big play popped up. Two seasons ago and even last season Watson would often take the risky shot. Other times he would take the easy gain. He's got the perfect balance of patience and aggression right now.
The highlight reel plays are impressive, sure, but Watson has always made those. The most impressive part of his game is the poise and knowledge he plays with now. He has a deep understanding of defenses and sees things he missed early in his career. The Texans have gotten deep into the playbook this year too executing at an extremely high level.
Watson is absolutely in the MVP discussion.
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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!