Houston Texans: Significant improvement from the offensive line in Week 2
The Houston Texans have been the laughing stock of the NFL when it comes to the offensive line, as they have been one of the teams that allowed the most sacks in the last two years.
The Houston Texans have invested in their offensive line throughout the offseason, as they agreed to a franchise-changing trade with the Miami Dolphins for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. On top of that, they invested a first-round pick in left guard Tytus Howard, and a second-round pick in right guard Max Scharping.
Houston started up-and-comer, Roderick Johnson, at right tackle in their last game in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after he was claimed off waivers last season from the Cleveland Browns.
More from Houston Texans News
- Houston Texans: Can Sean Payton really be the next head coach?
- Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
- Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
- Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
- Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith
This past week against the Jaguars, the Texans received a massive return on those investments, as the offensive line play was much improved.
Sure, the Texans gave up four sacks, but it’s a much different story than the six sacks they surrendered in the first game to the New Orleans Saints. Two of those sacks on Sunday came on blitzes, one of those sacks was due to a botched snap, and the last sack was a coverage sack.
The two sacks that the Texans gave up on blitzes largely fall on the shoulders of Deshaun Watson, as he’s got to be able to point out the blitz pre-snap and make the correct audible. Even if he doesn’t audible out, he has to get the ball out quick.
The botched snap is on the shoulders of center Nick Martin, which should be an easy fix. As for the coverage sack, I’d rather see Watson throw it out of bounds, but part of what makes him great is his ability to improvise when the initial play breaks down.
Sure it’s worth noting that Jaguars pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue wasn’t on the field, but Calais Campbell of the Jaguars was, and he didn’t register a single sack or quarterback hit either.
Part of what led to a much-improved game by the line was the starting rotation, as the Texans started Tunsil, Howard, Martin, Zach Fulton, and Roderick Johnson, who started at the right tackle spot.
Next. Texans: 5 Takeaways from Week 2 win over Jaguars. dark
Hopefully, this stellar play from the offensive line will continue, but it bodes well that second-round draftee Scharping is on the bench if there is an injury.