PFF grades from Texans win over Browns
The Houston Texans handled their business against the Cleveland Browns as their defense had a big day.
Without any surprise at all the Houston Texans didn’t have a problem taking care of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at NRG Stadium.
Pro Football Focus has released their grades from this week’s game and as you can see below, the Texans’ defense really stepped up without J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus.
CB Johnathan Joseph (97.5)
Texans’ cornerback Johnathan Joseph took advantage of an inexperienced quarterback in Kevin Hogan after grabbing two interceptions during Sunday’s win.
Here’s what PPF wrote about Joseph.
"While some of the plays came gift-wrapped, Jonathan Joseph put on a coverage clinic against the Browns. He allowed only 6 yards and two catches on six targets, flashing great transition to shut down passes underneath. Joseph’s closing speed is special, and he used it to great effect Sunday, registering an additional two picks and a pass deflection."
CB Kareem Jackson (85.4)
Texans’ cornerback Kareem Jackson helped out with five tackles and one pass defensed. Of course it helped that Hogan was playing quarterback and the Browns receivers aren’t very good.
From PFF:
"Jackson paired with Joseph perfectly, showing similar aggression around the line of scrimmage. He set the tone to open the game, driving into the backfield to shut down Crowell in the behind the line of scrimmage on the Browns’ second offensive snap. In coverage, he illustrated tight coverage on a consistent basis, allowing only 27 yards on 4 targets."
DL Carlos Watkins (81.5)
Houston defensive lineman Carlos Watkins added two tackles in week six. We knew he would have a bigger role with Watt being out for the rest of the season. Hopefully he’ll keep getting better as the season goes on.
DL Christian Covington (79.1)
Defensive lineman Christian Covington had a good game as he helped to control the line of scrimmage along with Watkins and D.J. Reader.
Despite losing Watt, Houston’s defensive line is still good enough to dominate up front. General manager Rick Smith has done a great job of adding talent.
WR DeAndre Hopkins (74.2)
This was DeAndre Hopkins’ worst game of the season when it comes to his stats even though he managed to score a touchdown. He only caught two passes for 19 yards though.
What’s really interesting is that Hopkins was only targeted four times. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been targeting him over 10 times per game. Hopkins will be facing a tough Seattle Seahawks defense after the Texans’ upcoming bye week.
Here’s what PFF wrote about Hopkins:
"Only two catches for Hopkins today but the impact he had when he was around the ball was a major factor in the game. Hopkins’ touchdown came as he got away from Jason McCourty off the line, getting hit in the second window after Deshaun Watson looked off Ibraheim Campbell attempting to rob the quick throw to the endzone. However Hopkins’ biggest impact on the game may have been turning defensive back for a play, with Watson scrambling to the left flat he inexplicably threw a ball directly to McCourty who was standing in front of Hopkins, who reached through to break up a sure interception that would have setup the Browns in scoring range."
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TE Ryan Griffin (73.6)
Ryan Griffin was expected to have a big game against the Browns since Cleveland has been torched by opposing tight ends this season.
But Griffin only managed three catches for 52 yards. It was certainly his most productive day this season, but not a fantastic outing.
"Griffin tied for the team lead with three receptions today and the Browns gave up those plays with concerning ease over the middle of the field. Working from the backfield and inline, the Browns’ linebackers couldn’t get a handle on Griffin, giving up easy quick conversions to nullify the Browns’ pass-rush. Griffin’s work kept the Texans’ offense ticking without stressing the Texans’ offensive line in pass protection. Griffin’s 2.48 yards per route run is the second highest mark of the week thus far."
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