(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Have you ever had your heart broken? If not, that’s what it feels like.
The Houston Texans were beaten by The Atlanta Falcons 21-19 this past Sunday, losing via walk off field goal. It was a physical, hard fought game that came down to the very last second. Tough. Let’s jump into it.
The Good
One of the cool things about games like these is that there are still many silver linings. First and foremost, C.J. Stroud is still The Man. Never faltering, always poised. He was almost the difference as he led the offense to score a touchdown with 1:45 left in the game. Stroud went 20-35 with 249 yards and the late touchdown pass. He has still yet to throw an interception and now owns the record for most consecutive passes without throwing one to start a career. Stroud is making history.
The offensive line once again allowed zero sacks, making it the third consecutive week they have done so. They are proving themselves to be one of the better units in the NFL.
Dalton Schultz is finally becoming a factor in the passing game while recording 7 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. It’s great to see Schultz slowly becoming a reliable option when receivers are being taken out of the game plan.
The defense wasn’t as impressive this week, but they still showed effort and physicality. Forcing two turnovers was also huge. They continue to swarm and be difference makers.
All in all, some great stuff displayed during this game. In the end, it wasn’t enough.
The Bad
Let’s reiterate something real quick; this is a great coaching staff, but they are still inexperienced. This game was the first kind that they’ve seen and coached in. Atlanta was in a chess battle with the Texans and they just edged them out.
Super Chef Bobby Slay was in an interesting position. He wants balanced, complimentary football when the run wasn’t very effective. So, he was put in a bind. Devin Singletary not recording a carry was noteworthy because it felt that the run game wasn’t utilized enough.
Coverage wasn’t great either. Henry To’oTo’o was picked on because the Falcons found out that they have Kyle Pitts. Defense was great against the run, but Desmond Ridder bullied them.
The bad is also me doubting Desmond Ridder before the game. I’m sorry, Desmond.
The Ugly
The end of these games are never pretty. The end result is a coin flip that went the Falcons way. Both teams played their asses off.
Injuries continue to hurt. The secondary was thin and Tank Dell left the game before half. Robert Woods was also sidelined for most of the game. Ugly, especially because those guys might sway the game to the Texans’ favor.
Other than that, gotta take everything to the chin and learn from it.
Onward
Well, let’s wash our hands of this one. I’m glad a game like this happened this early because it would hurt more later in a divisional race.
The Houston Texans, now 2-3, host the New Orlean Saints (3-2) next Sunday back in Houston. The Saints pose a threat, but I consider it a winnable game. Especially if the Texans improve from Week 5.
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