Six weeks are in the book and the Green Bay Packers took an old school beating by the Buccaneers. Green Bay got embarrassed and look to rebound this Sunday when they travel to Houston. The Texans have struggled this season with a 1-5 record. They have had several close losses, including a tough 42-36 defeat to the Titans last week. With the Packers trying to right the ship and the Texans to salvage the season, both teams will be hungry to get a win. Here is Know the Foe: Houston Texans Week 7.
Watson’s Offense
For the second week in a row, the Packers will face a top-tier quarterback. Unlike Tom Brady, however, Deshaun Watson is a mobile player who can hurt you with his legs as well as his arm. The young quarterback comes in with over 1,700 yards through the air with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.
At his disposal are two burner wide receivers and a savvy vet. Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks both can take a top off a defense with their speed. Fuller leads the team with 455 yards and four scores. Cooks isn’t far behind with 367 yards and two touchdowns. Former Packer Randall Cobb is the third option. He might not be the guy he was in 2014 when he produced 1,200 yards and 12 TDS, but he still needs to be accounted for. Watson also likes to look for his big tight end in the red zone. 6’7″ 270 lb. Darren Fells has found paydirt three times this season.
On the ground, the Texans lean on David Johnson. Once a lead back with the Cardinals, Johnson now is just a steady average starter. He won’t break away and hurt teams with big plays, but he can grind out yards and be effective in close games. The strength of Houston’s offensive line is in its tackles. It all starts at left tackle with the highest-paid at his position Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil is a young stud but has been known to struggle with penalties. Tytus Howard on the other side can also hold his own and make this a solid tandem. The inside of the Texans offensive line is average at best and should be an area the Packers can exploit.
Defense not to be Overlooked
The Texans defense has struggled this season but still has a few players that can cause headaches. Like Tampa Bay, Houston had two really active and athletic linebackers. Zach Cunningham and Benardrick McKinney were a duo that flew all over the field. Unfortunately for Houston, McKinney is lost for the season. Cunningham leads the team in tackles but also has 2 sacks, which demonstrates his blitzing ability. J.J. Watt is not the defensive player of the year anymore but still can be disruptive and at times still demands double teams. He will be a tough test for Billy Turner who has played well this season at right tackle. On the other side is Whitney Mercilus who is more of a pass-rusher only type.
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The Texans secondary is a group the Packers should be able to exploit. Justin Reid is a leader at safety and a good tackler. The starting cornerbacks are Bradley Roby and Vernon Hargreaves. Both of these former 1st-round draft picks are athletic but have been taken advantage of. Phillip Gaines is an above-average slot corner with good speed. Nonetheless, Davante Adams & Company should be able to win against this group.
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– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
