With the Texans’ winning streak now at 7, the team kept things moving as they dispatched the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns in their backyard.
Against Tennessee, reeling after the death of founder Bob McNair, the team walloped the Titans, who was the same squad that left Houston nearly 20 years ago, 34-17 on Monday night. Sometimes in sports, scripts just write themselves. Thankfully enough, Blaine Gabbert didn’t play in the game as his inferior adversary Marcus Mariota started instead.
What’s more, the game was highlighted by Lamar Miller’s 97-yard touchdown run. It was his second such long-distance run this season which made him the only player in NFL history with multiple 90+ yard runs. The defense chipped in as well for the game as they totaled six sacks, two fumbles forced, and 8.0 tackles for loss. Such is the life of an elite defensive corps that has the likes of J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney at their disposal. It’s both a nightmare for opponents and a field day for their fans.
For the Browns, they took care of rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield as their constant pressure disallowed him from making easy throws. As a result, he threw three interceptions, one of them ended up being a pick-six. Additionally, a fumble was forced by rookie free safety Justin Reid which only made the game worse for the Browns and great for the Texans. Compounded with Fairbairn’s five field goals and 384 total yards, Houston came out of the game on top 29-13 as their streak extended to eight games.
I’m sorry, reader, but I didn’t quite catch what happened with the return match between the Colts and Texans in Week 14. Maybe they won, maybe they lost. I don’t know. It’s strange. I never forget about watching Texans’ so having this happen is so out of the ordinary. Perhaps I might’ve suffered memory loss. Who knows though. What’s lost is lost, so oh well.
Strangely enough, my memory miraculously came back the following week for the game against the Jets as the Texans won by the score of 29-22. After possibly dropping the game against Indy, the team had the urgency to bounce back to prove their doubters that their hot streak didn’t end right then and there. But still, they faced the Jets, a team with a 4-9 record in the midst of a rebuild. They fielded the 3rd worst offense in the league and a defense that ranked 20th in total yards allowed. It should’ve been a cakewalk. But, my dear reader, this is football, and anything can happen in this sport if one is not ready for what comes their way. As such, the Jets put up a fight that lasted the entire game. Wow, I must be repeating that last line like a broken record. In the face of stubborn opposition, the Texans once again survived as every part of the team played their part to ensure an indubitable victory. Watson threw for two touchdowns while amassing 294 yards on 22 completions out of 28 attempts; Ka’imi “Pineapple Boi” Fairbairn successfully kicked five field goals for 15 points, and J.J. Watt provided another monster game as he recorded two sacks, 2.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
When a team this balanced is capable of competing wherever they’re in, good things are bound to happen, and the Texans’ last 11 games proved that.
DeShaun Watson continues to prove he’s one of the burgeoning crop of young stars in the NFL. His 103.2 passer rating is currently 6th place out of 59 qualified quarterbacks. Add to that with his 3,700 yards of total offense (both passing & rushing) and 5 game-winning drives (which is tied for 1st overall) and you’ll have further justification as to how great he will be in the long run.
As usual, DeAndre Hopkins continues to make spectacular catches ad nauseam. Before 2017, he had to rely on an endless stream of below-average quarterbacks that consisted the likes of Ryan Mallet, Brian Hoyer, T.J. Yates, Tom Savage, Case Keenum, and Brock Osweiler. Man, I realize as I typed this list I had to endure so many quarterbacks over the years. I’m so glad I finally have a capable one like Watson. Nevertheless, “Nuk” was unfazed as he caught for more than 950 yards in each of his last 5 seasons, including this year. It speaks volumes of his talent and work ethic as he had to work with so many teammates and the challenges that came to Houston over the years. Still, if he keeps making catches like those of this year, then what’s to worry about?
😱😱😱😱😱
This didn't count… But are you serious, @DeAndreHopkins?! #Texans #MIAvsHOU📺: @nflnetwork + @NFLonFOX
📱+💻: https://t.co/DJUityQHC9 pic.twitter.com/JTKp4MS8IE— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2018
Unlike the offense where it underwent a massive overhaul with the inclusion of Watson, the defense has largely remained the same. Yes, it was largely decimated with injuries last year, but that hasn’t stopped their ferocity in pressuring the quarterback and stuffing running plays. After Romeo Crennel returned to defensive coordinator duties in lieu of Mike Vrabel’s exit to Tennessee, the team returned to being in the top 5 defenses in points allowed per game. Moreover, aside from being 13th place in overall yards allowed, their 88.3 rushing yards allowed per game is good for 4th place behind such teams like the Saints, Bears, and Ravens.
Of course, there’s a reason why this has happened for Houston. To find out, one can look no further than J.J. Watt and the monster year he is having, which is not unusual. But still, he had to overcome a variety of injuries that took him out of 2016 (back) and 2017 (leg) respectively. Coming into 2018, I wondered if he would ever turn back the clock and return to his beast form before he suffered the injuries. Maybe his time as the top defensive dog was over. Well, as the season is coming to a close, all my doubts have disappeared. He has 14.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, four passes defended, and 17 tackles for loss to his name. His absolute unit of an engine has prompted teams to construct double team moves on him so he wouldn’t be able to reach the quarterback for a sack, just like old times’ sake.
