5 takeaways from the Texans’ blowout 31-5 loss to Cardinals
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans dropped their sixth consecutive game in a 31-5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday afternoon, at State Farm Stadium. As expected, the Texans never had a chance to pull off an improbable upset, even while holding a 5-0 lead over the Cardinals during the first quarter.
Following a slow start to the game, the Cardinals displayed their offensive versatility by scoring 31 unanswered points led by MVP candidate Kyler Murray — who threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
The Texans had a rough outing on the offensive side of the ball, as they recorded a total of 160 yards on 49 plays and 12 drives. Rookie quarterback had an abhorrent day throwing for 135 yards while completing 23 out of 32 pass attempts.
As the Texans fall to 1-6 on the season, Houston is now four games back in the AFC South. Here are five takeaways from the Texans’ loss to the Cardinals.
1. Texans' defensive line gave hope to an absurd situation
(AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
The loss against the Cardinals wasn’t all bad for the Texans. Houston’s defensive line came out strong, as they recorded three sacks on Kyler Murray during Arizona’s first three offensive drives of the game.
The first came from Maliek Collins, while DeMarcus Walker completed the second. Jacob Martin recorded the Texans’ third sack of the period, which produced a safety to put Houston ahead 2-0 over Arizona.
Going up against a dual-threat quarterback like Murray, it appears that Lovie Smith adjusted the defensive front by lining up five alongside the line of scrimmage. It is also worth mentioning that the return of both Ross Blacklock and Charles Omenihu helped in the success of the Texans’ defensive line, as their efforts created gaps for their teammates to barrage through.
The Texans’ defensive line recorded four sacks on Murray in the loss.
2. Texans' secondary did not show up in Arizona
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
With an adequate performance by the defensive line, the same cannot be said when speaking of the Texans’ secondary.
Similar to the loss against the Colts, Houston’s secondary gave up two big plays down the field where the Cardinals capitalized with a pair of touchdowns. If they weren’t giving up 20 or more yards in passing, Murray was picking the Texans’ secondary apart with their terrible coverage.
A small sample for the Texans’ inferior secondary came late in the second quarter when Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins for a 15-yard completion — who was left wide open for several seconds down the field.
This play is the perfect illustration of Houston’s secondary failing the efforts coming from the front four. After a noble start to the season, the Texans’ secondary is quickly becoming the team’s Achilles heel with back-to-back horrendous performances.
3. J.J. Watt took advantage of the Texans' weakened offensive line
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time in franchise history, the Texans received a glimpse of life facing Watt as an opponent. And despite not recording a sack, the future Hall-of-Famer played a noteworthy part in Houston’s offensive struggles.
The Cardinals arranged Watt both inside and outside of their defensive line, which never gave the Texans a chance to adjust. The consistent pressure Watt created upfront made it nearly impossible for Houston’s weakened offensive line to block — who was also missing starters Laremy Tunsil and Marcus Cannon due to injury.
While on the left side, Watt bombarded the blocking of Geron Christian Sr. and made the efforts of Max Scharping and Charlie Heck deplorable when attacking from the right.
Watt’s dominance on the defensive front helped his teammates record two sacks and force Davis Mills into making quick and implausible decisions with his passes.
4. DeAndre Hopkins is a reminder of the most lopsided trade in NFL history
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Hopkins did not have the revenge performance the general public was expecting, but his play was a consistent reminder of one of the most lopsided trades in NFL history.
With a touchdown to give the Cardinals an early 7-5 lead, Hopkins ended the game with 53 yards on seven receptions in the win. As for running back David Johnson — who was traded to the Texans for the All-Pro receiver — finished the day with 25 yards on seven rushes against his former team.
5. Texans make weird history in loss to Cardinals
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
With a safety and a field goal, the Texans became the first team in NFL history to lose by a score of 31-5.
1
1
