In the last two weeks, the Houston Texans have faced running backs Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans), both of whom are in the top five for NFL rushers. On Thursday night, they face another top-ten running back in Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders.
The Eagles will be looking to extend their record to 8-0 as they are the only undefeated team left in the NFL.
If facing Sanders wasn’t a big enough issue for the Lovie Smith-coached defense, add in quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is lethal in and out of the pocket. The Houston native will be playing in front of his version of a hometown crowd, having graduated from Channelview High School.
“Disruptions and keeping your rush lanes are huge,” said Texans rookie defensive lineman Thomas Booker about containing Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. #WeAreTexans #Sarge #TexansWire pic.twitter.com/sPPUkH9toy
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) November 3, 2022
“I would say he’s an outstanding passer,” said coach Smith about Hurts, who has thrown ten touchdowns on the season. “Outstanding thrower on what we’re seeing from him, running game to back that up. I’m talking about the athlete at the quarterback position brings another dimension of them taking off and running the football. A part of why they’re one of the best rushing teams is based on what they do running the ball at the quarterback position too.”
Texans’ rookie defensive tackle Thomas Booker is also well aware that the former runner-up in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting can cause chaos if you don’t play fundamental defensive football against him.
“Disruptions and keeping your rush lanes are huge,” Booker said. He is a guy that can escape really well and understands when the pocket is collapsing, and find an escape route really quickly. So, if you can take that away from him, our guys in the secondary will be able to get him off of his first read.”
With such a potent offense as the undefeated Eagles have, making Hurts come off of his first read, which is usually wide receiver A.J. Brown, who Philadelphia traded for in the offseason. His second read is 2020 Heisman Trophy winner wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
“I’ve played A.J. (Brown) before,” said Texans defensive back Steven Nelson. “He’s always an explosive athlete, competitor. He has that dog mentality in him. Tough run after the catch guy as well. It’s definitely going to be a challenge.”
Houston will need to get some offensive momentum to keep the Eagles’ defense off the field, but that is easier said than done, especially without the services of wide receivers Nico Collins (groin) and Brandin Cooks (wrist).