Lost in the Houston Texans’ 42-36 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 6 is how well the offense actually played.
Since the firing of Bill O’Brien as coach, the Texans have produced two consecutive games scoring at least 30 points.
According to quarterback Deshaun Watson, nothing has changed with the offense’s identity; apparently, this is who they were. What has changed is they haven’t faced a bevy of second-and-longs and third-and-longs.
“I wouldn’t say we were different,” said Watson, who completed 28 of 37 for 335 yards and four touchdowns. “We were doing what we was doing. We just had more opportunities to take the shot. We stayed ahead of the chains. We took advantage of getting third and short and capitalizing on there and we had the opportunity to take shots, and we did that. We did what we needed to do.”
The Texans were also 7-of-14 on third downs, up from their 37.7% for the season.
Tight end Darren Fells says what has changed with the offense is players aren’t as rigid and overthinking.
“I feel like the biggest difference is just guys are finally coming out, playing a little bit looser,” said Fells, who caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. “Been struggling to get things started, obviously the first four games and not being able to get that W. So, finally going out there and getting the offense moving a little bit, getting relaxed, getting that first W and able to come back out here more relaxed.”
Even Watson’s sack numbers have dipped in the past two weeks. The two-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 16 after four weeks. However, he has taken just three in the past two games.
“Offensive line played a really good game and gave me time to make the threes down the field and that’s what we did,” said Watson. “It wasn’t nothing different out there. We just continue to build on that.”
Houston will have to find ways to keep building. It may take scoring in the forties for the Texans to start coming away with victories.
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