Despite a poor showing in the red zone in the first half against the Saints. The Texans still had a shot to win this game going into the 4th quarter. This was partly a result of an offense that controlled the clock in the 1st half and kept the Saints off the field. One thing you cannot hide: Kareem Jackson and the lack of consistent pressure on the quarterback. When the Saints had the ball in the 2nd half, they moved the ball at will other than a couple of possessions. Make no mistake, they must play better defense. 23 points in the 4th quarter is unacceptable against anyone. However, there is old football logic that must be so old that it has been forgotten, but it says this: When you are on the road against a quality opponent, just keep it close and hope you can find a way to win in the end. To this end, the Texans should have tried to continue to own the clock by using more of Tate and a short passing game. The Saints can't score 23 in the 4th if they only get two possessions. Instead, I saw the Texans trying to air it out, with the lead mind you. There was one possession they threw all three times. 3 & out, clock stopped on every throw. Saints come back out with no time off the clock. Not smart. I'm not saying you have to run it exclusively, but there should be more runs than passes when trying to eat the clock and your passes should be very safe plays like screens to AJ or quick slants. Kubes went 5 out of 6 passes to open the 4th. Too cute for me. We missed you Arian. If management had taken your hamstring seriously in training camp, maybe you could have been the difference. 1st close game of the season, and we are reminded that there was no turnover at the head coaching position this past offseason.
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