Tyrod Taylor was impressive in his first start for the Houston Texans.
The former 2015 Pro Bowler completed 21 passes on 33 attempts for 291 yards and two touchdowns with a sack. His big plays to receiver Brandin Cooks helped the eighth-year receiver haul in five passes for 132 yards.
The Texans’ 37 points scored were the most scored in a season opener in team history. However, the performance may have uncovered on where to strike the Texans going forward.
According to Michael DiRocco per ESPN Stats and Info, the Jaguars blitzed 17 times in Week 1 with only three teams blitzing more. When Taylor was pressured with the blitz, he completed nine passes on 17 attempts for 170 yards. When the Jaguars didn’t blitz, he went 12-of-16 for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
Jaguars blitzed 17 times on Sunday (only 3 teams blitzed more). Here is what Tyrod Taylor did vs the blitz (5 or more rushers): 9 of 17 for 170 yards and was sacked once. When Jaguars didn’t blitz Taylor was 12 for 16 for 121 yards and 2 TD (no sacks). Per @ESPNStatsInfo
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) September 13, 2021
Tight end Pharaoh Brown was pleased to see the way Taylor handled the Jaguars.
“I was just happy to see Tyrod was able to go out there after all he’s been through with the injuries, everything that you guys already knew about that happened in [Los Angeles],” Brown said. “So just to go out there and see him be able to get out there and get a victory, I know it feels like he hasn’t played in like two years. It was just awesome to see him be a part, knowing his journey, I was just happy for him.”
If the happiness for Taylor is to continue, Houston will have to find ways to keep him upright against the blitz, or help him be more successful when teams decide to send the kitchen sink.