The Houston Hook: Texans have winning record vs. Buccaneers

The Houston Hook is taking a look at the Houston Texans’ final preseason opponent, plus see what’s happening in the AFC South.

When the Houston Texans take the field on Saturday night for their preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even though the game doesn’t count in the standings, it is of great importance because they will be facing the reigning Super Bowl champion franchise.

The Texans most likely won’t be taking on Tom Brady or many of the Super Bowl champions, but to be on the field lets the Texans know where they actually stand when in the same building as the champs.

Houston has previously faced the Tampa Bay franchise five times in the regular season, going 4-1 in those five games, including winning the most recent meeting in 2019 by a 23-20 score. The Texans’ only loss to the Buccaneers came in their very first meeting back in ’03 when Houston’s quarterback back then was Dave Ragone (who was 9-of-17 for 64 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions).

For the Buccaneers, the QB was Brad Johnson. Johnson that day went 17-of-28 for 237 yards, also with no touchdowns or interceptions.

As that was a fun fact about the two franchises meeting, this Saturday does have a lot on the line for both teams because players are still battling to make the final spots of the 53-man roster as some players are battling for their football lives.

This should be a fun game also to see if the defense of the Texans can continue to add to their positive play they’ve had thus far in their two preseason wins over the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys.

Looking forward to a preseason finale isn’t something many say, but this weekend feels a little different because there is a lot to watch for the Texans, and even if it is against reserves for the most part, facing the defending champions of the NFL is always fun to look forward to.

Houston Texans: AFC South teams have important roster decisions ahead

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Jerry Trotta of Horseshoe Heroes wrote about a roster decision coming up for the Colts involving Ben Banogu and how he’s earned a roster spot in Indianapolis. Saying it is a mistake by the Colts if they were to cut him shows how much Banogu has improved this preseason.

TENNESSEE TITANS:  Geoffrey Knox of Titan Sized  has an article with a focus on projecting the Titans final roster. These articles are always fun because nobody ever truly knows who is staying and who will be asked to leave, but predictions are always fun to read. There is even a player who signed with the Titans this offseason that won’t be fun to see for two games a season on defense … Bud Dupree.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: With Travis Etienne on the IR for the season, Carlos Sanchez of Black and Teal writes about if James Robinson is ready to “carry the load” at the position in ’21. It was evident Etienne was set to have many duties for the Jaguars this season, but the injury ruined that. This article lets us know if Robinson is ready to handle more work within the Jacksonville offense.