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Houston Texans: 5 Key Takeaways from Thursday night’s win

By Kerby Huffman

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a deep pass against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a deep pass against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 21: Linebacker Dylan Cole #51 of the Houston Texans is escorted off the field during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Linebacker Dylan Cole #51 of the Houston Texans is escorted off the field during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

3. The linebackers were the MVPs, but a new face may soon be added

From the moment the Texans linebackers arrived at NRG Stadium rocking Mortal Kombat costumes, you could tell this unit was ready to attack. Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham combined for an eviscerating 27 tackles, all but cementing themselves as the cornerstones of this defense.

Many people remember trading away Jadeveon Clowney for a third-round pick and two players, but one of those players was Jacob Martin and recorded his first sack as a Texan. Whitney Mercilus is probably now considered the most high-profile defender on the team, as he and fellow outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett managed one tackle for loss each.

However, depth took a significant blow when second-stringer and special teamer Dylan Cole ended up with a torn ACL, leaving only three inside guys remaining on the roster. That leaves a significant but not impossible to fix the hole in the middle of the field, and I would expect a veteran to be signed in the coming days.

My best bets would be Brandon Marshall, formerly of the Chicago Bears, or ex-Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown.

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