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5 Takeaways from Texans preseason finale vs. Bucs

By Blake Marshall

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Terrence Brooks #29 of the Houston Texans runs past Codey McElroy #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Tavierre Thomas #37 blocked a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter during a NFL preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Terrence Brooks #29 of the Houston Texans runs past Codey McElroy #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Tavierre Thomas #37 blocked a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter during a NFL preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

5. The Houston Texans Defense is solid

Although Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored two touchdowns in the game against the Texans the defense as a whole looked solid. The four-man front created solid pressure forcing Brady to throw incomplete while rushing his progressions multiple times. The real story of the starting defense was their performance against the Buccaneers rushing attack.

The Texans held the Buccaneers to negative three (-3) yards rushing in the first quarter while getting pressure on Tom Brady. There was little to no running room for the Buccaneers running backs which has been a theme this preseason for the Houston Texans defense while facing the run.

Where the Texans defense struggled was in the secondary. Houston’s tackling was subpar with a lot more players looking to punch the ball out rather than bring the receiver down.

Overall, it was the showing by the defense that creates optimism. The front is solid, creating pressure on almost every play. The run defense is respectable, and if the secondary can shore up their tackling, then Houston’s defense will surprise a lot of people this season.

As far as the roster cuts are concerned, General Manager Nick Caserio will have the hardest time deciding who to keep and who to cut on this defense especially along the defensive front.

While this may sound like a problem, it’s actually a luxury to be in this situation. Look for Caserio to try to trade players before cutting them to maximize the Texan’s draft capital the way he did with defensive back John Reid to the Seahawks.

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