The damage is done. The 8-5 Houston Texans dropped a game to the 5-8 Denver Broncos, losing 38-24.
In a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the two-score margin depicts it to be, the Texans were as healthy as they had been in weeks, outside of Will Fuller not playing due to a hamstring.
Houston trotted out their full secondary, only for rookie quarterback Drew Lock to dice them up. In his second career start, the Missouri product went 22 of 27 passing for 309 yards, three touchdowns, an interception and a 136 passer rating.
Though a disappointing outcome from those residing in Harris County, let’s still take a gander at the Texans’ snap counts.
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Observations
Offensive line:
- The Texans cannot find consistency at right tackle. Though they started Chris Clark there, he played just 60% (48) of offensive snaps. Roderick Johnson, who has shown a bit more promise, played the remaining 40% (32). They missed Tytus Howard.
- Interestingly enough, Zach Fulton’s job at right guard isn’t secure. He also played 60% (48) of snaps. Bill O’Brien and Co. decided to test the waters with backup Greg Mancz at his position, who, like Johnson, played 40% (32).
Secondary
- It was the return of backup Jahleel Addae, who hardly played in the week before. However, he didn’t play much, as he saw 14% of snaps (8). He allowed a touchdown on the Broncos’ first offensive drive.
- No cornerback played the full game. Bradley Roby saw the most playing time, receiving 76% (45) of snaps. Both Johnathan Joseph and Gareon Conley got 51% (30). Vernon Hargreaves got 47% (28) while Lonnie Johnson saw 24% (14). It appears as if the Texans are going with a rotation there.
Front-seven
- Despite tallying 2.5 sacks in the two weeks heading into Sunday’s loss, Jacob Martin only saw a 22% (13) snap-share. Despite doing so, he did have a sack on Lock. His lack of playing time is puzzling, considering his recent boom as a pass-rusher.
- Charles Omenihu’s growth as a base package defender stopped on Sunday. His snap-count decreased from 63 (72%) against New England to 22 (37%) against Denver.
- Houston appeared to want to go big-on-big with their defensive line. Their big, bludgeoning lineman, more known for their rush-defense prowess, playing the majority of snaps on the line. D.J. Reader saw 78% (46), Angelo Blackson got 58% (34) and Brandon Dunn received 54% (32).
Offensive skill positions
- With Will Fuller out, the Texans gave Keke Coutee a chance in their offense. He played in 71% (57) of snaps, the most of the season. However, he didn’t particularly respond well. On Houston’s second drive, he fumbled the ball, which Denver returned for a touchdown.
- Despite Coutee’s fumble, the Texans stuck with him. Slot receiver DeAndre Carter did not play an offensive snap. That’s interesting, considering the perception that Coutee was in the doghouse before the game and a fumble doesn’t help.
- For the second week, Duke Johnson edged out Carlos Hyde in running back snaps, getting one more. That should come as no surprise, as he acted as an extra receiver when the Texans were down big. Hyde saw more snaps when they attempted to establish the run.
- Jordan Akins led the Texans in tight end snap-share, seeing 64% (51) compared to Darren Fells’ 56% (45) and Jordan Thomas’ 9% (7). Like Johnson, that shouldn’t be a surprise. Akins is a better receiving option that, theoretically, would help when trying to catch up.
The Texans clearly want to shake off the embarrassing loss. They will have to do so while facing the surging 8-5 Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Monday. The game would clear-up who stands on-top of the tight AFC South division.