Hey guys, it’s Ari Alexander checking in from NRG Stadium where the Texans learned (again) what Tom Brady is all about. Houston showed some good things in the 23-16 loss. They also showed the defense has plenty of work to do against top level NFL offenses with Brady torching them.
Here’s what we learned about the Texans this week:
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REID CAN KICK
Texans safety Justin Reid has been apparently begging coaches to let him kick since he’s been on the Texans. Reid played soccer growing up and has a great leg, as he showed Saturday night. Not only did Reid drill two perfect kickoffs (he wanted the third one back, which he sent out of bounds), he lit up in his post game press conference when talking about kicking. He said it was a dream come true. For a team that is unlikely to have many joyous moments this season, Justin Reid’s excitement at kicking of all things was a huge bright spot Saturday.
TURNOVERS STILL FRESH
The Texans defense has more turnovers in three preseason games (10) than they did in all 16 of 2020′s regular season games (9). Every defensive player alluded to new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s obsession with getting to the ball. So far, it has worked. Defensive ends are getting strip sacks. Cornerbacks and safeties are finding ways to get interceptions. There has been healthy competition for most spots on defense with a handful of guys who will barely make the team even making tremendous plays (DeMarcus Lawrence, I’m looking at you).
THE ROOKIES MIGHT BE BIG CONTRIBUTORS
Rookie 3rd round quarterback Davis Mills has clearly outplayed Jeff Driskel for the #2 quarterback role. Driskel is unlikely to make final cuts and Mills will be up for the Texans if something were to happen to Tyrod Taylor.
Mills’ play has been a mix of uneven to poor throughout the preseason. He’s made some good throws, but the 3 interceptions he threw Saturday night show he’s likely in the bottom half of backup QBs in the league thus far.
Roy Lopez Jr., a 6th round defensive tackle continues to impress, teaming up with Vincent Taylor for another sack. Lopez has 2.5 sacks this preseason. Nico Collins scored a TD from the wide receiver spot and is likely to get ample playing time as possibly Houston’s most promising rookie.
Tune in to Sports Sunday each week after the late news as KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy, reporter Vanessa Richardson, and I break down the game even more. We’ll see you then!
