Houston Texans Vs. Denver Broncos: What To Look For

ByBrian K. Patterson|Aug 23, 2014, 11:00 AM EDT

The Houston Texans have now entered into Week 3 of the NFL preseason and looked as poised as ever to undertake this week’s opponent, the Denver Broncos.

The Texans have been in Denver for about a week now and it seems that they’ve adjusted to their surroundings.

They don’t call that metropolis the Mile-High City for anything and I’m sure they wanted to make sure all of the players, especially the newcomers are well-accustomed to play outdoors with the dry, thin air being the prevailing factor.

Wow, what a week makes!

J.J. Wattdemanded a contract extension, albeit politely andAqib Talibthrew a football atD.J. Swearingercausing a scuffle, both events stemming from the scrimmage the teams had between each other!

Jadeveon Clowneywas sensational last week with one sack and did some tackling for-a-loss, which is always a prized asset!

Time keeps on ticking and roster decisions will have to be made before the start of the season.

There is still some jockeying for some position for those coveted53slots, so keep an eye on these battles:

QUARTERBACK:Yes, there’s still a battle here.Case Keenumis battling for his future with the Houston Texans. WithRyan Fitzpatricklooking a lot better last week against the Falcons, Keenum looked rather tepid on his part going6-for-12for81yards, throwing one pick. His37.2quarterback rating is nothing to sneeze at either. On the other hand, Fitzpatrick went9-for-12for97yards with one passing touchdown for a QB rating of126. I’m still completely positive that Keenum will take advantage of the time given to him and make the best of it tonight, keeping himself a roster spot. Let’s go Case!Tom Savagewill see some time but we all know he will be carried asBill O’Brienwill look to develop him into a quarterback that fits his style of offense.

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK:Jonathan Grimescontinues his strong play at the back from late last season when he was plugged in and his momentum is admirable. He seems to work really hard at what he does and is extremely deserving of a roster spot. He will get it. However, the exponential effort of drafteeAlfred Bluehas not gone unnoticed and these two will continue to go back-and-forth for the coveted slot of backing upArian Foster. Who will win out? This one’s a tough call but Grimes is the victor so far. Grimes rushed for 42 yards off nine carries last Saturday with 22-yard burst while Blue ran for 22 yards off six carries. I’m sureRonnie BrownandWilliam Powellwill be thrown in for awhile but the battle for second- and third-string is clearly between the preceding backs mentioned.

TIGHT END:HasC.J. Fiedorowiczmoved himself up on the depth chart? As I expected, he likely has. Of course, he’ll be the No. 2 behindGarrett Grahamfor now but this guy has talent that you rarely see for tight ends.Earlier this spring, I talked about what a great draft pick Fiedorowicz was, take a lookhere.He has dominated in every level at his position of play and it’s now time for him to do it in the professional leagues. His frame and his exceptional blocking capabilities will drive defenses crazy.Ryan Griffinmight as well been on the picture of a milk carton last week.