Week 3 Preseason Preview: Texans vs. Cowboys

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans breaks a tackle by Romeo Okwara #95 of the Detroit Lions in the first quarter during the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans breaks a tackle by Romeo Okwara #95 of the Detroit Lions in the first quarter during the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans will be facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 of the preseason, and there are questions that need answered.

Going into Week 3 of the preseason, all of the speculation will be surrounding the Dallas Cowboys as the contract dispute with running back Ezekiel Elliott continues, and they will be facing the Houston Texans this Saturday night.

Thus, a lot of the focus won’t be centered on the Texans and how high-powered their offense will be against the defense of the Cowboys. This article will discuss three of the biggest storylines surrounding the upcoming game between the two Texas rivals.

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1. How will Tony Pollard be used by the Cowboys?

With the absence of Elliott for the Cowboys, Tony Pollard has stepped up, amassing 42 yards on five rushes and a touchdown this preseason.

The question will be whether this production will continue through the rest of the preseason for the Cowboys.

If Pollard continues to impress, expect him to challenge Zeke for touches when (and if) Elliott returns to the Cowboys during their contract dispute.

2. How long will the Texans play their starters?

After the starters capped off their first drive against the Detroit Lions with a touchdown, the Texans decided to pull the majority of their starters in favor of those lower on the depth chart.

The main thing being looked for with the dress rehearsal is how long will we see quarterback Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and the rest of the starters, especially with multiple teams, including division rival Indianapolis Colts, announcing they will be sitting their starters.

3. How will Matt Kalil do as the starting blind side tackle?

Throughout Kalil’s career, his play has been shaky at best after playing for the Vikings for the first five years of his career and then signing a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers.

Kalil’s play failed to live up to expectation, leading to him being cut after only year on the squad.  Houston proceeded to sign him to a one-year, $7.5 million dollar deal. Personally speaking, I do not see Kalil being much protection for Watson this season.

These two teams last played each other in the regular season on Oct. 7, 2018 when the Cowboys defeated the Texans, 19-16 in overtime.

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