T.J. Yates’ Keys to Success Against Indianapolis

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes the catch in front of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) for a touchdown during the second quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Get DeAndre Hopkins the Ball

Another obvious one, but Yates’ main target this week should be DeAndre Hopkins. The emerging star wide receiver has struggled in recent weeks, and some are beginning to question his talent. He hasn’t topped 100 yards or seen 10+ targets since Week 11, the last time Yates was at quarterback.

Yates does seem to know where his bread is buttered, saying he has absolute faith in Hopkins:

"“Absolutely, 100 percent trust in that guy,” Yates said (via Deepi Sidhu of HoustonTexans.com). “You throw it up in the vicinity with that guy and he will go and get it for you, so that is something that we have to go and do. We have to get him the ball.”"

When he was under Center, Yates connected with Hopkins for the game-winning touchdown against Cincinnati, and then threw the ball his way 12 times the next week against New York, connecting 5 times for 112 yards and 2 scores.

Hopkins has caught a touchdown in 5 of the team’s six victories, but only in 2 of the seven losses. Clearly opponents have figured out that if you can take away Hopkins, the Texans will have trouble moving the ball. Yates has to be sure that Hopkins isn’t taken away.

As he said, you can simply throw it up in DeAndre’s general area, and he’ll go get the ball. T.J. Yates needs to do that early and often this week against the Colts.

Next: Clock Management