The task doesn’t get any easier for the Houston Texans’ defense in Week 2.
After facing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan, they must prepare to take on another probable Hall of Fame quarterback in Russell Wilson, who was traded to the Denver Broncos in the offseason.
Although his demeanor will never display it, Wilson will come into Sunday’s game playing angry and do his best to take that out on the Texans. In his return to Seattle, he was jeered by the same fans that cheered for him weekly, and his first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett showed no faith in him in the 17-16 loss.
With fourth-and-5 from midfield, Hackett decided to attempt a 64-yard field goal instead of leaving the ball in Wilson’s hands.
Wilson will now turn his focus and energy towards the Texans to try and get his first win in a Broncos uniform. The only problem with that is he will be facing a Houston defense that has some anger issues of their own from Week 1.
Leading the Colts by 17-points heading into the fourth quarter, the Texans allowed Indianapolis to get back into the game by giving up 17 points in the fourth quarter and would eventually hold off the Colts to end the game tied at 20.
Houston faced a similar situation as the Broncos during the fourth quarter. On fourth and three from just past midfield, head coach Lovie Smith decided to take a delay of game penalty and punt the ball back to Indianapolis instead of attempting a long field goal.
“It’s a decision that you make,” said Smith after the game. “If you would guarantee that we were going to get it, then it was good. But if you miss it right there and they had stuffed us on the play, they have one play and they’re in position.”
“Lovie Smith’s defense is prepared for everything,” said Texans DL Roy Lopez about the challenges they face going against Broncos QB Russell Wilson on Sunday. #WeAreTexans #Sarge @RoyLopez__ @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/oYaCE7n4i8
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 15, 2022
The Texans defenders did not like their play against Ryan in the fourth quarter giving up 207 passing yards and one touchdown as he gained most of those yards from the pocket. Now they face a different challenge in Wilson, who finished Monday’s contest against the Seahawks with 340 yards passing and one touchdown while manipulating the pocket using his legs to scramble.
“He does everything as a quarterback,” said defensive lineman Roy Lopez when asked about Wilson. “He can drop back and pass it. He has play-action and can run the ball if he has too. He is a dual threat.”
Even though the task is immense, Lopez has confidence that his defensive teammates and his defensive coordinator will be ready on Sunday.
“Lovie Smith’s defense is prepared for everything,” Lopez told reporters. “That is something that he harps on and holds his head high on and takes pride in. No matter what we run every play should be stopped. Everybody has a gap, and they should take care of it. So, that is on us to get the job done.”
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