Hello, Texans fans! This is KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy with this week’s Houston Texans early week newsletter.
How’s everybody feeling after that big meltdown on Sunday in Minneapolis? The Texans got out of there after a 34-7 blowout loss and now face a few questions and issues they need to get fixed before the Jacksonville Jaguars come to town on Sunday.
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Right now, after 3 weeks, the Texans record sits at 2-1. On the defensive side they played pretty good against the Vikings, but run defense was not up to par and needs to be improved moving forward as they gave up over 100 yards to RB Aaron Jones who averaged over 5 yards per carry.
What you need to know: Five keys to Texans’ 34-7 road loss to Vikings
On offense where do we start?
C.J. Stroud struggled some for the first time throwing two interceptions while the offensive line definitely had issues with false start penalties and illegal formations. LT Laremy Tunsil had a terrible day with four penalties and has nine already this season.
The Texans had 11 penalties overall vs. Minnesota and eight were on the offensive side. They have to clean that up quickly!
With the status of RB Joe Mixon unknown as far as his return to the backfield on Sunday there are concerns on if this running game can get anything going against Jacksonville.
How do you feel about Cam Akers back out there?
TOP QUOTES FROM DEMECO RYANS ON MONDAY
On takeaways from the game against the Vikings
“I think you learn, first and foremost, how hard it is winning in this league and you have to be on the details of your job every single time that you step out there, especially when you are on the road. It is always harder playing on the road so you definitely have to be on your assignments, be where you are supposed to be and you cannot hurt yourself. When you are going against a tough opponent, really good team, tough crowd, you have to not hurt yourself but find ways, continue to help yourself and everybody playing together.”
On the discussion on tackles and illegal formations
“No, with the penalties of lining we have to be better. We have to align right. It is clear with the rules of how we should line up so we have to line up correctly and that starts with us.”
On the amount of penalty calls
“We go to the drawing board, and we fix it. We have to line up right up, which I know we can do. We have to line up right and we have to protect as best we can up front. There is five guys just working together, or if it’s six guys, if it is six we all have to work well together, and we have to play relentless. We have to swarm up front, and we have to get the guys blocked.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Texans return to practice on Wednesday through the end of the week then welcome in the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday with a 12 p.m. kickoff at NRG stadium.
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