Texans move up in the NFL power rankings for week 3
The Houston Texans have gotten a little respect after their first win of the season.
Now that the Houston Texans got a win under their belt after a tough week one loss, they’ve moved up on this week’s NFL power rankings from around the web.
CBS Sports – 24
Peter Prisco of CBS Sports actually has the Texans falling one spot despite beating the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday night. I can’t agree with his ranking even though they haven’t looked great overall as a team.
Here’s what Prisco wrote:
"Deshaun Watson did some good things with his legs against the Bengals, but he has to be better throwing it."
ESPN – 20
ESPN is giving the Texans a lot of respect by moving them up six spots heading into week three.
"Deshaun Watson’s rushing ability could be enough to keep the Texans’ offense moving as he develops his passing skills. The rookie has scrambled for a league-high 82 yards so far this season, including a game-changing 49-yard score Thursday night."
I think teams will hone in on Watson’s ability to run the football. They still need to establish a passing game.
NFL.com – 23
Elliot Harrison of NFL.com doesn’t love the Texans as much as ESPN does, but he still moved them up three spots.
"The Texans defense we expected all offseason showed up. It just took until Week 2. What madeThursday night’s win over the Bengals even more special for coordinator Mike Vrabel’s unit was Houston did it with backups playing at corner and inside linebacker. Two main takeaways:A) Amazing what a mobile quarterback playing on feel can do for a middling offensive line.Deshaun Watson’s scamper on third-and-long late in the fourth turned a possible punt or a looong field try into a makeable 42-yard attempt, which forced the Bengals to respond with a touchdown drive. They didn’t.B) J.J. Watt’s postgame interview with our “Thursday Night Football” crew is worth seeing again. His sincerity and empathy for the everyman comes shining through. It’s beyond refreshing."
Hopefully the Texans’ defense will only get better from here on out.
Sports Illustrated – 21
The Texans have moved up four spots in SI.com’s week three NFL power rankings.
Yahoo! Sports – 21
Frank Schwab moved the Texans up from the 26th spot heading into this Sunday’s match-up against the New England Patriots.
"If we’re being realistic, the Texans’ offense still looked terrible last week. Quarterback Deshaun Watson got very little going outside of one big run. Every week is going to be a struggle until the Texans figure out how to generate some points."
As Watson gains mores experience, Houston needs to hope that he will evolve along with the offense. A running game would go a long way right now in taking pressure off of him.
It’s nice to see the the Texans move up in this week’s power rankings, but I’m afraid they will fall back down a few spots after this Sunday since they’ll be facing a very tough New England Patriots team.
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