DEADLINE DEALS
Texans make another trade as the fire sale in Houston continues
Nov 2, 2021, 12:01 pm
DEADLINE DEALS
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Texans have traded defensive lineman Charles Omenihu to the 49ers for a late-round pick. No surprise here. All the Texans seem to do is trade their players for late-round picks these days. Despite being one of the team's best defensive players, Omenihu has been a healthy scratch for multiple games this season. After rumors of static between Omenihu and the Texans, possibly due to Charles having the same agent as disgruntled Texans QB Deshaun Watson, Omenihu will be moving on to the 49ers. Omenihu recorded seven total sacks during his three years with the Texans.
Sources: The #Texans are trading young pass-rusher Charles Omenihu to the #49ers in exchange for a future late-rounder. The former fifth rounder, who has been an intriguing trade name for weeks, has a new landing spot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2021
Editor's note: Adam Schefter is reporting that the compensation will be a 6th round pick in 2023.
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!