If you caught the Texans game today, you saw exactly what
the future of the team could look like. Everything was clicking for Houston as
they took out AFC South divisional opponent the Jacksonville Jaguars 7-27.
The Texans have struggled this year creating a running game
but found a combination that worked this week with rookie (RB) Wali Lundy and (RB)
Samkon Gado. Lundy rushed 19 times for 93 yards and a touchdown contributing
the majority of the Texans 131 rushing yards this week. Lundy started a little
slow, but as the contest went on he adjusted beautifully to the speed of the
game and developed into a threat that Jacksonville had to contend with.
The Texans offensive line actually looked like what an NFL
caliber team would expect from its members; creating lanes for the running
backs, keeping the pressure off QB David Carr, and only allowing one sack on the
day.
Because of these factors, Carr was able to make up for his
poor play last week against the Dallas Cowboys by
throwing 25 receptions to 7 different receivers and tallying 224 yards with 2
touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Carr has been one of the top 5 QBs in the NFL
since the start of the season and is on track to potentially have the best
season of his career.
Texans WR Andre Johnson also had a stellar performance
against Jacksonville, leading the team with 8 receptions and 106 yards. Johnson
also put the Texans on the scoreboard first with a 35 yard reception in double
coverage that resulted in a touchdown.
WR Eric Moulds also made 3 receptions today, bringing his
career total receptions to 700.
A big part of the win today has to be given to the Texans
defense. The return of 3 defensive starters really seemed to be the spark that
the Texans defense needed to catch on fire. LB Kailee Wong, CB DeMarcus Faggins,
and DE Antwan Peek all returned to the field to make a direct impact on the
game. Peek and Faggins forced 2 fumbles that were turned over to the Texans,
creating scoring opportunities that finalized a Texan victory.
The Texans defensive unit as a whole really deserves a lot
of respect. They held Jacksonville to just 220 total yards of offense and gave
up just 3 conversions on 3rd down. DE Mario Williams recorded the team’s only
sack of the day.
The Texans should feel very confident as they get ready to
take their show on the road for the next three weeks. Next week the Texans will
travel to Tennessee to take on Vince Young and the Titans.