Houston Texans Daily Roundup: A winnable game awaits

The Houston Texans have a good opportunity for a win in front of them this Sunday at NRG Stadium as they host the New York Giants in Week 3 action.

Many believe the Houston Texans have a very good chance to leave their Week 3 game against the New York Giants as the winner, but nothing is a given in the NFL as that was easily detected last Sunday when the Texans lost to the Tennessee Titans.

This upcoming game on Sunday should see the Texans take advantage of the Giants’ offensive line with the Texans having a solid front seven, as it is time for the pressure the defensive line brings  to start really affecting games and to help lead the team to their first win of the season.

If the Texans are unable to gain a win on Sunday against the Giants — a team the Texans are 1-3 against all-time — then the seat will start to get hotter for not just Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, but it should get hotter for those on the field as well.

As Sunday gets even closer, here is a look at some headlines for the day:

• Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle gives information about Will Fuller and how his speed has helped the Texans with his return to the lineup last Sunday. Wilson wrote the following on Fuller.

"“Fuller is the fastest player on the Texans’ roster. When the Texans have him in the lineup, it’s a much more potent attack.”"

Having Fuller on the roster is a game changer for the Texans, and the question that needs to be asked is are there any players on the Giants who can cover Fuller in a one-on-one race downfield? Remember what the Dallas Cowboys did to the Giants defense last Sunday night when Tavon Austin had a 64-yard touchdown in the first quarter? That type of play could happen in the Texans’ favor this Sunday. Keep an eye out on Fuller and his speed against the Giants.

• Over at Fansided’s House of Houston, Brian K. Patterson wrote about how Whitney Mercilus has been like a ghost since returning from injuries. Patterson said this about Mercilus:

"“He’s got to improve that and get back to the ball-hawk that we’ve come to love over the years but I see him having a rough road ahead just to do so. “"

It is true Mercilus hasn’t had the numbers Texans fans have become accustomed to over time to start this season. In two games, Mercilus had five combined tackles with no sacks. Last season, Mercilus played in just five games where he had 10 combined tackles and one sack, so he is on a better pace this season than where he was a year ago before his injury. Mercilus will mot likely get back on track eventually this season, and facing the Giants’ offensive line might be what he needs to get there.

• Matt Lombardo of NJ.com wrote about the upcoming game between the Texans and Giants, with the writers on the website giving their picks for the upcoming game. Lombardo wrote:

"“Buried in an 0-2 hole for the second consecutive season, the Giants’ offense likely holds the keys to turning the tide on Sunday against the Texans.”"

The article went on to give predictions of the Texans defeating the Giants, but like what is written above, the Giants do have good offensive players who can lead the Giants to their first win. Even though the Giants offense might have “the keys,” the Texans defense has the abilities to take over the game if they can play up to their potential, which they haven’t yet this season.

• Tweet of the Day

It will be exciting to have Jadeveon Clowney back on the field for the Texans this Sunday, and if in fact he’s in the lineup, that will make a big difference for the Texans defense and make things worse for the Giants’ struggling offensive line.

The Texans need Clowney on the field each week, and after missing last week, Clowney is hopefully healed up and ready to go. The game will start at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.