CODY STOOTS PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Texans safeties Mathieu, Jackson come to play in loss to Patriots
Sep 9, 2018, 3:36 pm
Tyrann Mathieu (left) and Kareem Jackson played well. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson had quite the debut at safety for the Texans despite the team failing to capture a win on the road in New England. The Texans lost 27-20 but the new safety duo impressed.
Mathieu pulled down the first of what Texans fans hope is many interceptions with a few minutes left on the clock in the first quarter. Defensive lineman Angelo Blackson deflected a Tom Brady pass intended for James White allowing the trailing Mathieu to come up with the ball. The interception led to a Texans field goal.
Jackson was thumping players early and often. As the clock ticked down in the first half Jackson darted in on Rex Burkhead and forced the ball to shoot out but the Patriots recovered.
Later Mathieu found the ball in his hands again thanks to Jackson. As Rob Gronkowski galloped down the field Jackson came in and punched the ball out. Mathieu who was giving chase scooped the ball. The ensuing Texans drive came up empty but the fumble recovery was a huge play slowing a Patriots offense which was humming down the field.
Despite being new to the defense Mathieu also displayed some knowledge about the scheme. Kevin Johnson failed to listen to Mathieu in a coverage communication where moments later Johnson gave up a touchdown. Mathieu was seen very animated seated next to Johnson on the bench
Jackson finished the day as the team's leading tackler with eight tackles. Mathieu added five from his spot.
It was an impressive day from the safeties for the Texans especially considering the Texans struggles at cornerback in the first half from Johnathan Joseph and the second half from Kevin Johnson. There is something there for Romeo Crennel to work with. If the defense can come together in front of them the safety play can get even better.
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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!