The Houston Texans completely overhauled their offense in the offseason, signing quarterback Brock Osweiler, running back Lamar Miller, and guard Jeff Allen, while drafting wide receiver Will Fuller. The organization had one goal in mind when making these decisions: make the Texans' offense as dynamic and strong as its defense. Well Texans fans, there's good news, as it looks like they're well on their way to achieving that as they defeated the Chicago Bears.
Offense looking strong
Going against an average Chicago Bears defense, Osweiler went 22 for 35 for 231 yards and two touchdowns, Miller ran for 106 yards on 28 carries, and Fuller, probably the most impressive, caught five throws for 107 yards and a touchdown. DeAndre Hopkins got the other touchdown as well as 54 yards.
Despite the good ending, it didn't start out that way at all. On the opening drive, Osweiler threw a pick when he threw behind Hopkins, bringing back bad memories of the Matt Schaub days. Thankfully, he seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on. He started hitting Fuller on deep routes, while putting the ball where only Hopkins could get it. He spread the ball too, as he completed passes to eight different receivers.
Miller was able to provide a rushing attack that the team hadn't seen since Arian Foster was consistently healthy. His game might have not been super flashy, but eclipsing 100 yards in his first game with the Texans is a positive sign going forward.
All in all, the offense clicked well after a few hiccups early on. What made it even better is that nearly half of the unit is new. The fact that they showed good chemistry already is a good sign for the future.
Defense still dominant
A major reason why the Texans started 3-5 last season was their defense's slow start. There was no such thing today, as they got five sacks and an interception, while limiting Jay Cutler to 216 yards and a touchdown and Jeremy Langford to 57 yards and a touchdown. They also forced two Cutler fumbles, both recovered by the Bears, while Andre Hal started his season well with an interception.
The Texans' pass rush proved how dominant it will hopefully be against the Bears. J.J. Watt, while not getting a sack, provided great pass rush only two weeks after back surgery. Whitney Mercilus continued his sudden surge starting from last year as he corralled two sacks. Probably most impressive was Jadeveon Clowney. The former number one pick has been getting hate, many believing that he's a bust because of his less than stellar first two years in the league. He needs this season to change that perception, and his game today was a step in the right direction.
However, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. Sadly, Brian Cushing suffered a torn MCL and is out 4-6 weeks. Thankfully, the injury isn't so bad that he requires surgery. The linebacker has been dealing with injury problems throughout his career and this is just another setback.
Special teams finally special?
The Texans' special teams, especially the returning and coverage units, have been bad for at least the past two years. Wanting to overcome that weakness, the team fired then special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky and hired Larry Izzo. Not only that, but they drafted Tyler Ervin despite having a plethora of running backs to boost their return game. It looks like it might pay off, as he averaged nearly 25 yards on kick returns and nearly 10 on punt returns. Not stellar numbers, but definitely promising since the days of Jerome Mathis, Andre Davis, and Jacoby Jones.
The coverage team was also good for the most part. Other than a 31 yard Eddie Royal punt return, the Texans were able to ensure they don't start with good field position. This was a huge problem last season, making it harder on the defense to stop opponents from scoring. Hopefully, the potential that the team showed against the Bears today will continue throughout the season.