Texans Game day: Reasons to tune in for Preseason Week 3
By Randy Gurzi
Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35) tackles Denver Broncos wide receiver Isaiah Burse (19) after a punt in the first quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The third preseason game usually features significant playing time for starters as NFL teams are preparing for the season. In the case of the Houston Texans, don’t expect to see much difference from the first two games where the starters only played a series or two.
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However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of reason for tuning in as the Texans head into New Orleans to take on the Saints at 3:00 pm central. Here is a look at four players to keep an eye on during the third preseason game for the Houston Texans.
Eddie Pleasant, SS
Eddie Pleasant has made quite the jump from former undrafted safety in 2012 out of Oregon to the favorite to begin 2015 as the starting strong safety for one of the better defenses in the NFL.
Pleasant has seven preseason tackles and has been stout on the coverage units for special teams, but where he really makes his mark is on his ability to pay close to the line of scrimmage as a hard-hitting run stopper.
Pleasant played linebacker in college and still has the same type of mentality as he enters the final year of his contract. The Texans field top-notch secondary which includes two stud-cornerbacks Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph as the starters. They then bring in rookie first round pick Kevin Johnson in as the nickel corner and also have Rahim Moore patrolling the back end as a free safety.
Having so many cover guys who excel at their job paves the way for someone like Pleasant to do what he does best, and threaten to stuff the run and take receivers down on short passes over the middle.
Next: The strong safety competition