The Texans travel to New Orleans to take on the New Orleans Saints Saturday 8/26. While many in Houston might not be able to view the game due to Harvey, many others might be able to relax and enjoy pre-season football. Hope all is well with everyone during Hurricane Harvey for whoever is reading this.
The best matchup to see today besides the normal QB battle would be the WR’s. Jaelen Strong was recently charged and suspended for his possession of marijuana all the way back in Feb of 2016. This has a big impact of week 1 against the Jags, as the Jags do have a decent secondary, already making the job hard for WR Hopkins, and QB Tom Savage. To not have depth with Fuller and Strong gone, Miller and Ellington will need to step up to help get the pressure off of Hopkins today. Expect Strong to take less snaps today as part of preparation for week 1. Strong is only suspended for one game, so this won’t be an issue later on down the season.
Obviously, all eyes are on the QB battle. Savage was rightfully named the starter for week 1, and I couldn’t agree more with BOB’s decision. Bill knows that Savage is the most NFL ready as far as memorizing the playbook, and making pinpoint throws. Have you seen Savages last few drives? Nearly perfect on all of them besides the first drive of preseason. Savage has been amazing, but Watson has awed us. Watson still needs time to develop and make his throws more accurate. Most people notice that Watson still doesn’t have a passing TD so far, this pre-season. I do see that changing today, but he still hasn’t developed his passing game, which last week at the Patriots sure did show. Watch for Savage to get the first drive or 2, or until they score first (whichever is quicker). Savage won’t be staying out long. Weeden will most likely get all of the 4th quarter to himself, with Watson getting 2nd and 3rd quarters to move around with.
The defensive woes this year have been surprising. I do know that this is preseason, and not everything should be judged so quick, but you do make adjustments from preseason due to how the players actually preform. Our secondary group hasn’t been the hottest, but stepped up last week against Tom Brady and the Patriots. Interceptions (even some that didn’t count), fumble recoveries and great tackles highlighted the game last week, expect them to get worked this week against Drew Brees. Drew is a great QB who is very accurate and is a pass heavy team. They might not get worked as bad as last week, but I do expect them to get lots of targets. Having Adrian Peterson on the team might relieve some of the throws, but I don’t expect him to play today very much.
The Texans play later tonight at New Orleans, make sure to keep it here for a new article recapping the game as soon as it ends. Stay safe out there Houston, and I hope you can enjoy the game.
