Hey guys, it’s Ari Alexander here with the Texans as they prepare for their first home game, which is a big-time national game that airs Sunday night right here on KPRC 2!
It’s the first of many opportunities this year for a national audience to see how much the Texans have poured into changing and improving this team and to see C.J. Stroud’s rise to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
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WRAPPING UP LAST WEEK
Very briefly, to run down what happened in the 29-27 win vs. the Colts in the simplest terms.
QB play: Good.
Running game: Phenomenal.
Passing game overall: Good.
Run blocking: Phenomenal.
Pass blocking: Needs improvement - C.J. was under more pressure than needed on many plays, which is surprising given the Texans have a top tackle combo.
Defensive line: Mostly good, could have put Anthony Richardson under more pressure, but he’s also the most athletic QB in the NFL.
Pass defense: Needs improvement. The Texans made some plays (Calen Bullock INT), but were also torched for several big gains, including two long touchdown passes.
Special teams: Mostly good, and had one shocking mistake, getting a punt blocked. The Texans have rated as one of the top special teams units in the NFL under coordinator Frank Ross.
Reminder for this weekend’s game: What you need to know about parking at NRG Stadium
WHAT DO THE BEARS DO?
Defense. That’s what the Bears do. Their whole thing forever has been defense, and it’s their whole thing this year (as of one week). To their credit, they’re trying to change the narrative by building out an offense full of weapons that are eventually projected to be good. They used their 1st overall pick on a Heisman-winning QB in Caleb Williams (who struggled in his NFL debut), traded for D.J. Moore, traded for Keenan Allen, and drafted Washington star Rome Odunze in the 1st round. Odunze is out with an injury for this week’s game, but Moore and Allen are a very legitimate receiving corps, and definitely the best the Bears have had in forever.
Defensively, Matt Eberflus’ team hawks the ball and will try to get C.J. Stroud to turn it over. They managed to come back from a 17-0 deficit with just defense and special teams. The Bears did not score an offensive touchdown in the 24-17 win over the Titans. They got three field goals, a blocked punt for a TD (by old friend Jonathan Owens! Shout-out Simone!) and a pick-six off one of the worst throws you’ll ever see. Stroud is unlikely to make any throw like the one Will Levis did, but the Texans did just get a punt blocked vs. Indianapolis, so that’s something to watch out for.
Caleb Williams went 14-29 for just 93 yards. Woof. If the Texans can pressure him the way the Titans did, the Bears will again be limited to field goals and defense.
WHAT’S NEXT
Well, you’ll have to wait all day to watch the Texans, but it’s all good because it’s a huge national showcase game. Last week’s SNF audience pulled in 22.7 million viewers, per NBC Sports. If the Texans want to earn respect around the league, having a big showing on that stage will matter.
Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. at NRG Stadium and don’t miss our “Countdown 2 Kickoff” pregame show — sponsored by H-E-B, Energy Transfer, and Hyundai. KPRC 2 anchors Daniella Guzman and Keith Garvin will be live outside with the fans, and Randy and the KPRC 2 sports team will have your on-field access.
The show starts at 5:30 p.m. on KPRC 2 and on the KPRC 2+ livestream so you can watch live whether you are at home or at the game!
Download the free KPRC 2+ app for iPhone or Android.
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