The Houston Texans fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21 Sunday afternoon following their Week 3 encounter at Heinz Field.
For the second time in the past three seasons, the Texans start the year 0-3. Though the Texans clawed back and peeled off nine straight wins to correct their record, it is a tall task to ask Houston to recreate that type of fortune again.
With the Texans falling to 0-3 with two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson under center, and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt still a disruptive part of the defense, going winless after the first three weeks is flabbergasting, even to Houston sports fans who were bracing for the loss.
I have said it for years and I will say it again. The @HoustonTexans have to fire Bill O’Brien it’s not even funny at this point.
— Chris Nalls (@CNalls83) September 27, 2020
#Rockets done and coach searching. #Astros trying to not become first MLB playoff team ever with a losing record. #Texans 0-3. Anyone else looking forward to 2021?
— Dale Robertson (@sportywineguy) September 27, 2020
After the Texans’ game with the Steelers, Houston goes home to host the winless Minnesota Vikings.
Any chance we can get next week’s #Vikings and #Texans game flexed to SUN at 2am so none of us have to watch?
— Cory Hepola (@CoryHepola) September 27, 2020
Who did Minnesota lose to though? The Tennessee Titans, who are now 3-0 on the season.
#Titans 3-0#Texans 0-3. #AFCSouthChampsBrian
— PCreight (@PCreighton1) September 27, 2020
Oldest brother Watt had four combined tackles while little brother Watt had 1.0 sack and two tackles for loss.
Asked TJ how much bragging rights are worth in the Watt family. Laughs and says, “JJ will be hearing about this one for a long time!” #Steelers #Texans
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 27, 2020
Of course, the loss is bringing out immense criticism of coach Bill O’Brien and chairman and CEO Cal McNair.
Who you think is the problem vs who the real problem really is. #Texans pic.twitter.com/o9qUQQshrX
— Nathan (@NateNTheH) September 27, 2020
Texans fans are settling in for an interminable season.
It’s going to be a long #Texans season.
— It’s a COVID Free Knight (@fdknight) September 27, 2020
I’m getting 2007 Dolphins vibe for us. #Texans
— ◬ (@andyagustin) September 27, 2020
The problem with the ’07 Dolphins vibe is it won’t warrant any high level draft picks; Miami got those in the Laremy Tunsil trade last season.
Is now a bad time to remind Texans fans that they don't pick until the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft?
— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) September 27, 2020
Of course, there could be a way Houston could recover some of their draft capital.
Dear @ Dallas Cowboys, please reach out to the @ Houston Texans and see if they will trade JJ Watt to you. Thanks, a fan.
— jesus flores (@tvjflo) September 27, 2020
Though the critics and comedians are having their fun, the analysts are trying to figure out what is going on with the defending AFC South champions.
Final #Texans thoughts:
When Watson had time, good things happened. When he didn't, bad things happened.
The run blocking is atrocious and the basic mistakes they making points to coaching.
Defense again had no help. Missed tackles and poor run D because they gassed.— Texans Thoughts (@Texans_Thoughts) September 27, 2020
The Texans go back home to Harris County where they have a week to figure out how to get their first win and not let 2020 slip away.