Top 14 Observations: Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints
By Bob Dove
Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) shakes hands with quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) after a game at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Texans vs. Saints – If you are a Texans fan there was a lot to like in the Saints game. There were also areas of concern. Here are my top14 observations:
- Against the Saints Brock Osweiler played like the quarterback Texans fans hoped for. Playing behind a makeshift offensive line he generally delivered the ball on time and on target. He did a good job of getting the Texans into the right play. Even though DeAndre Hopkins played very little and the running game was non-existent, Osweiler was in total control.
- The rookie receivers, Will Fuller and Braxton Miller, are way ahead of the typical rookie time schedule. That is particularly impressive for Miller who has only one year of collegiate experience at wide receiver. He runs good patterns, displays good hands and appears fearless in the middle of the field. Fuller still tends to cradle the ball close to his body rather the catching it with extended hands, but he overcomes that with crisp patterns and blazing speed.
- Even though the starting offensive line consisted of only one true starter, Xavier Su’a-Filo, they did a good job in pass protection. They were unable to open running lanes, but considering the Texans were basically playing their twos against the Saints ones they held their own. Their performance bodes well for the depth of the offensive line as the starters return.
- There are more quality running backs than can make the final roster. Lamar Miller is the obvious starter, but after that you could throw a blanket over the others. This game did not allow any of the backs to emerge from the pack. The first cuts occur after the next game against the Cardinals so time is running short. No doubt all the backs hope at least a couple starting linemen return for next week’s game.
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