The Houston Texans surprised everyone with a 37-21 victory at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but with the up-and-coming Cleveland Browns up next on the schedule, here are three keys for a Texans’ Week Two victory.
Get the Offense Going Early
The Houston Texans, offensively, against the Jaguars last week did a lot better than expected. Houston put up a combined total of 449 yards with 160 of those coming through the ground. Texans’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor went 21-33 with 8.8 yards per attempt for a combined 289 yards and two touchdowns.
With an offense as explosive as what Houston showed last Sunday, getting it going early this Sunday against the very talented Browns defense is a must. The Browns defense held its ground against the Kansas City Chiefs‘ powerful offense by only giving up a combined 397 yards in total.
The Texans showed that they like to run the ball often, and that’s something the Browns can stop, as they gave up only 73 total rushing yards to KC. If the Texans want to stay ahead of the Browns defense, they’re going to need to run the ball early and often, not be afraid to take deep shots down the field.
Slow Down Cleveland’s Ground Game
During last year’s meeting between the Texans and Browns, although it was a low-scoring affair with the final score being 10-7, Cleveland ran all over Houston. Cleveland’s Running Back Nick Chubb in last season’s battle with the Texans had 19 carries for 126 yards and one touchdown, while the other RB Kareem Hunt had 19 carries for 104 yards.
Last Sunday the Browns ran for 153 yards and four touchdowns against a very good Chiefs defense. The Texans’ defense will be tested after only giving up 76 total rushing yards last week against the Jags. If the Texans want to ensure a victory, shutting down Cleveland’s rushing attack is a huge way to do it.
Deflate Cleveland’s Aerial Attack
The Texans secondary had three interceptions last week against rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, matching their 2020 season-high in interceptions. The Browns put up 304 passing yards against Kansas City last week with no touchdowns and just one INT.
The Texans’ defense last week only gave up 319 total passing yards, most of which came late in the game (otherwise known as garbage time) as well as three TDs. The Texans secondary however will be gaining help with Safety Lonnie Johnson Jr returning to practice after missing Week one with a thigh injury.
The secondary for the Texans has struggled in the past and will be tested this week against the big threat of Cleveland’s receiving core (even with star WR Odell Beckham Jr out for another game) led by star wideout Jarvis Landry, the question is, are they up for the challenge?
Final Thoughts
It’s no question that the Texans will in fact be tested this weekend by the Browns, but as long as they can do what I’ve listed above, they can add another “W” in the win column.
As always you can find me on Twitter @KeganCrawford and all things sports @OT_Heroics!
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