Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien has identified the problems that plague the team and have hung an 0-4 record around their necks like a cone of shame.
The seventh-year coach met with reporters Monday and outlined what the team has to do to establish their identity and churn out wins in the coming weeks.
“Obviously defensively we’ve got to figure out how to stop the run,” O’Brien said. “Sometimes yesterday we had them wrapped up in the backfield but we missed tackles. Other times we did a really good job and were able to keep them at the line of scrimmage for hardly any gain. We have to figure out something because in all four games, we’ve given up a lot of yards rushing and then offensively, we have to figure out how to run the ball and stay balanced.”
The Texans defense gave up 162 yards on 40 carries with Vikings running back Dalvin Cook collecting 130 and two touchdowns on 27 attempts. For the Texans, running back David Johnson led the way with 16 carries for 63 yards as Houston was four yards away from the century mark on 26 attempts.
“I think we ran it 26 times yesterday, which is the most we’ve run it this year but still wasn’t good enough,” O’Brien said. “And then we couldn’t really finish the game or at least have a chance to tie the game. We just have to really work hard today and tomorrow to watch Jacksonville and see how that applies to the things that you’re asking about.”
The Jaguars head into NRG Stadium with their 1-3 record. Houston would like for their AFC South foes to leave Harris County with the same record the Texans will have if they can get their first win of the season. Even at 1-4 and finally getting of the schneid, the Texans have a long way to go to be in the competitive part of the conference.
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