The Houston Texans opened up the roof at NRG Stadium ahead of their 27-20 win over the New England Patriots Sunday afternoon.
It was the first time since Nov. 30, 2014, the Texans opened up the roof, which meant it was the first time in some players’ careers, especially quarterback Deshaun Watson’s. According to the two-time Pro Bowler, the contrast of bright sunlight with dark shadows did not affect the passing game at all.
“No, we didn’t have any problem offensively. It didn’t affect us,” said Watson, who went 28-of-37 for 344 yards and two touchdowns. “(Randall) Cobb caught a touchdown. We caught some big — Ake (Jordan Akins) caught a crossing route with that. I don’t think it was a big, big factor for us.”
Akins, the Texans’ athletic tight end who hauled in five catches for 83 yards, has a background as a minor league baseball player. Going from shadows to bright light and visa versa has been part of his playing experience since high school.
“Honestly with my training with baseball, I kind of know how to block it out, catch it at the end, and I just — I saw the ball, the way he released the ball, I saw the ball midpoint and I seen the tip of the ball, so I just placed my hands on it and I held on to it, made a play,” Akins said.
Houston is now 25-21 in club history with the roof open.
Watson, who acknowledged it was a “cool experience,” says the team is “still going to play football” regardless of whether the roof stays open or closed. Akins did appreciate the breeze from the partly cloudy, 75-degree afternoon.
“You know we had a good breeze in there, it wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold, so I enjoyed it,” said Akins. “I’m pretty sure everyone else did, as well.”
The Texans have three more home games left with the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tennessee Titans.
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