Texans vs. Cardinals: What To Look For On Offense

Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Akeem Hunt (33) gets tackled for a loss by the New Orleans Saints in the second half at NRG Stadium. Texans won 16 to 9. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Akeem Hunt (33) gets tackled for a loss by the New Orleans Saints in the second half at NRG Stadium. Texans won 16 to 9. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Preparing for Cardinals
Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; General view inside NRG Stadium before a game between the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals are among the best teams in the NFL. They will challenge every aspect of the Texans’ offense and expose weak areas. Here’s what to look for against the Cardinals:

Before focusing on the offense a general question is appropriate. How do the Texans starters look compared to the Cardinals? The Cardinals are projected to be one of the elite teams in the NFL, with Head Coach Bruce Arians being one of the NFL’s top coaches. They represent what the Texans aspire to be–a Super Bowl contender. Playing them in the third preseason game, the game many teams consider a dress rehearsal for the regular season, is a great opportunity to take stock of where the Texans are at right now.

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It doesn’t require a detailed play-by-play breakdown to answer the general question. No film study is needed for a 10,000 foot comparison. Fans can simply apply the “eye test”. Does this seem to be a contest among equals or does one team appear clearly superior? After watching the first game would you bet the ranch on the outcome of a second? It’s said that “close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but in the Texans current depleted state, close would be close enough for me…for now.

The Texans have key injured players on the mend and healthy young players who should grow rapidly as the season progresses. The Cardinals are a veteran team that will progress during the season, but not at the rate the Texans should. If the Texans are close now it bodes well for the postseason.

Next: What To Look For - Offensive Line