Texans vs. Saints: Three players that are vital to beating the Saints

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts (18) carries the ball off the direct snap against the New York Jets during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver, Cecil Shorts

Wide receiver Cecil Shorts III has been a great find for Houston as the free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars has 31 catches for 366 yards and one touchdown on the year. Last week against the Jets he stepped up in a huge, and unexpected way.

With quarterback Brian Hoyer out, the team turned to recently signed (although he had been on Houston before) T.J. Yates to play quarterback. To add a much needed wrinkle, the coaching staff threw New York off guard by placing Shorts behind center in the wildcat formation.

The plan worked brilliantly as Shorts ran four times for 26 yards and even threw one pass, which happened to be a 21-yard touchdown pass to Alfred Blue.

Much like Watt on defense, receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be the main guy New Orleans game plans against. Shorts is a versatile slot receiver and needs to make them pay for focusing too much on Hopkins. Also, the wildcat formation would probably be fun to see make a return.

Next: Brian Hoyer