The Houston Texans dropped their tenth game of the season against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, but their performance on defense was among their best of the season. They managed to keep Cleveland from scoring a single touchdown in the game, and consistently put pressure on the Browns’ new starting quarterback in all four quarters.
Defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo spoke to the media on Tuesday about what his squad was able to accomplish in the matchup and told reporters that he felt good about where the defense stands at this juncture. He noted that the way they’ve played as a cohesive unit was a key part of their ability to contain Cleveland’s offense.
“There’s a lot of positives,” He explained. “We feel that we’re a defense trending in the right direction. We’re starting to play more as a unit, so that’s positive. Of course, we want to take the ball away more in the game, try to score, try to put some points on the board as a defense.”
Against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, the Texans will need to focus their efforts on limiting the damage that their opponents’ offense is able to inflict, especially on plays designed for big yardage. Quarterback Dak Prescott has found his rhythm in 2022, and has helped the Cowboys become one of the NFL’s top teams with his efficient, explosive play.
It will take another impressive showing from Houston’s defensive line to keep this game close, and with help from their secondary, the Texans’ defense just might have what it takes to prove that they won’t roll over and die against their intrastate rival. They’ll enter this matchup as a heavy underdog, and would do well to cover the spread as they seek their second win of the season against a much more established opponent.