Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel is not taking his old team, the Cleveland Browns, for granted as the defending AFC South champions look for their second straight win.
The Browns are 5-3 and are coming off of a bye and are having one of their most optimistic seasons under rookie coach Kevin Stefanski.
“We’re going to have to play at our best, no doubt, to go on the road and try to win that game,” Crennel told reporters Monday.
There is some uncertainty as to the status of quarterback Baker Mayfield. The former 2018 first-round pick is currently on the COVID-19 reserve after having tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The former Oklahoma Sooner has provided the Browns with necessary stability under center.
If Mayfield is able to play, it will be his second encounter with the Texans. The former Austin Lake Travis product completed 29 of 43 passes for 397 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions against the Texans on Dec. 2, 2018. Houston still prevailed 29-13.
Crennel was the defensive coordinator for the Texans that day, and the defense was unable to take down the rookie as he avoided a sack for the third straight game that season.
“I really don’t remember much about it, other than he was a young quarterback,” Crennel said. “Young quarterbacks, sometimes they make young mistakes. Now he’s got much more experience. It looks like he’s got a better surrounding cast, and so as a result of it, their record is better.”
The Browns have found ways to surprise more veteran teams and clubs with an advantage in coaching, at least in the experience department, as Cleveland has started 5-3. With the back half of the season before both clubs, the Texans will have to pull ahead and get a tough road win, which begins by not taking the perennial AFC North doormats lightly.
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