The Houston Texans can be a frustrating bunch. They can beat the New England Patriots and lose to the Denver Broncos.
Hidden behind the frustration of inconsistency, the 8-5 Texans have consistently played as one of the NFL’s best red zone teams.
According to Football Outsiders, Houston is scoring touchdowns on 66.67% of their red zone appearances, fifth-best in the NFL. Their 5.43 points per appearance sit at third-best. In 2018, the Texans scored touchdowns on 50% of their red zone visits, 29th in the NFL.
Despite their inconsistencies in wins and losses, the Texans are getting it done where it matters most. They are doing so in large part due to their quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
Watson, per Player Profiler, stands at 14th in the NFL in red zone completion rate at 63.3%. However, he’s more than a passer in the red area. No. 4 also has six red zone rushing touchdowns in the NFL. He credits Houston’s execution and lack of self-inflicting penalties as a reason for their success in the red zone.
“The biggest thing is really just no self-inflicted penalties,” said Watson on Wednesday, “really executing and we all being on the same page, everyone in their spot depending on what the play call is and just me making good decisions, not turning the ball over down there and having to kick a field goal when we need to, but making the right decisions and being on time with those decisions when I can.”
The Texans will need to continue their red zone success on Sunday when they visit Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. With both teams standing at 8-5, the matchup will be one for the lead of the AFC South division.
Tennessee has scored 30-plus in their last four outings. With that offense rolling, the Texans may need to get in a shootout to win a vital game. Their red zone prowess could help.