Questions for the Texans Heading into Week Four
Alright, Texans fans, we have some serious questions to answer as we head into Week Four. Not only did we have a good display from both offense and defense in the Week Three loss to the Vikings, but we also showed signs of the strong team we are, with our wide receiving core, quarterback, and defensive line all holding well against the opposition. However, we still lost 43-7, so something was wrong. Immediately from the first drive deflected interception, you knew this would be a messy game. With a 2-1 record this season so far, we're in a decent place to begin, and if we want to continue the success of the franchise, let's ask, what do we need to do in Week Four?
The first, and frankly the most important, is our third down conversions. With only 28% completion on third downs, it was an atrocious display that made us punt more than we should’ve. If we can get connections with Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Stefon Diggs, then those third-down plays can convert us to at least a field goal and, better yet, a touchdown. CJ. Stroud struggled throughout most of the game, with two interceptions and twenty completions on thirty-one attempts for a total of 215 yards. We've seen Stroud perform before, and he seems to have come up short this week. The offensive line also needs to step up, allowing five sacks in the night, which frankly put Stroud into those unfortunate positions on the third down. In addition, our kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, missed his opening field goal, which carried the momentum of a ball rolling downhill for the rest of the game. The team seemed as if they weren't prepared, or better yet, expected an easier opponent. If the Texans want to win games, they need to have the mentality they are playing the Bills or Chiefs every game against the Vikings; they seemed too relaxed.
In addition, the amount of penalties the Texans received in the Week Three loss was ridiculous. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil contributed significantly towards the Vikings, losing critical yards for minor penalties that could easily have been avoided. So, in Week Four, we need to focus on avoiding the simple mistakes that, when done in repetition, have costly consequences. Not only that, but the team needs to arrive more prepared, if they do so, then this team might have a chance to go all the way. Lastly, utilize the weapons on the third down conversion. Collins, Diggs, and Dell, these names hold weight because they are performers. Give them the ball and complete a third down, and we might just win. The Texans play the 0-3 Jaguars this Sunday, September 29th.
