Houston Texans: Will Fuller is exceeding expectations

In his third season in the NFL, Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller has emerged as one of the better aerial threats in the league.

The Houston Texans have finally found their second weapon in the passing game with Will Fuller as he’s  proven last season wasn’t a fluke, scoring a touchdown in every game after returning from his hamstring injury.

In the three games he’s played this season, Fuller has 17 receptions, three touchdowns and a total of 263 yards passing. He is averaging an impressive 15.5 yards per reception which leads all Texans receivers in that category. Since coming back from his injury, quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown for at least 300 yards each game Fuller has played in.

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Fuller’s speed and crisp route running have made him a staple in this offense and almost irreplaceable as a receiver within the offensive scheme. His speed makes him a viable option downfield and creates issues with opposing defenses. Fuller also has the ability to score a touchdown on any given opportunity due to the confidence Watson has in him. He places second in the team with receptions only behind Texans pro-bowler DeAndre Hopkins, who has 30 receptions through four games.

Although Fuller isn’t known as a bruiser, he bulked up during up the offseason and it has allowed him to use his bigger frame to punish defenders in his vicinity. Fuller’s newfound strength has helped him to break tackles and gain more yardage downfield.

Working on the ability to initiate contact has permitted Fuller to be a better receiver overall. As he continues to improve his developing skill set, he is demanding more double coverage, and it has allowed Hopkins and the other receivers to have better looks in the offense.

Fuller is a valuable player in the Texans offense and the biggest impediment he’ll have moving forward will be his health.

Fuller has been dealing with a hamstring injury since preseason and he was taken out of the second half versus the Indianapolis Colts due to him possibly reaggravating it. The situation will be one to keep an eye on as the Texans will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.