The Houston Texans seek to snap their two-game Opening Day losing streak with a win over the New Orleans Saints Monday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. As the Texans kickoff their regular season, here are four Texans to watch in Week 1.
1. LT Laremey Tunsil
Houston gave up a king’s ransom for Tunsil to help solve their offensive line troubles and add another bodyguard for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Tunsil will have a good test as he takes on New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan, who has notched double-digit sack seasons over the past two years. If Tunsil is able to keep Watson upright against the Saints’ pass rush, then the Texans’ passing game should give them a puncher’s chance in the Big Easy.
2. RB carlos hyde
The Texans sent offensive guard Martinas Rankin to Kansas City for Hyde, who will be influential part of Houston’s makeshift running back by committee. Hyde says that he has had to unlearn everything about Kansas City’s offense from the offseason, but remarks that Houston’s offense is relatively simple. Hyde will need to keep the yards per carry above 4.0 and give the run game credibility to provide a balanced offensive attack and take the load off Deshaun Watson.
3. rb duke johnson
The Texans traded for Johnson when things started to go south with running back D’Onta Foreman early in training camp. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how the Texans utilize Johnson now that the preseason is over and the action is real. Will Houston put more of a running work load on Johnson given the state of the running backs group, or will he keep more of his pass-catching role?
4. qb deshaun watson
The Pro Bowl quarterback is entering his third season, and the growth from Watson is one of the most anticipated items from the offseason. What kind of steps has he taken in his development? Will he look any different after spending an offseason with new quarterbacks coach Carl Smith, who worked with Russell Wilson for all of his career? How much rust will he have to knock off after a dearth of preseason work?
5. de j.j. watt
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year produced 16.0 sacks in his first full season after playing in just eight combined over the past season years. Even while in the running for NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Watt would never declare that he was “back.” Will Watt have the type of performance against the Saints that does make him feel comfortable enough to state he has returned to his pre-injury form?
6. olb whitney mercilus
The former 2012 first-round pick produced just 4.0 sacks a year ago. The explanation was he was asked to do more things for the defense other than rush the passer, which he can be proficient at given his 19.5 sacks collected from 2015-16. Now that Jadeveon Clowney is in Seattle, the onus is back on Mercilus to produce opposite of J.J. Watt.
