TheHouston Texansare set to do battle with the Titans today.Will Fulleris set to return to the field and will provide a huge boost to the offense. Let’s examine.
It is no secret that theHouston Texanspass attack was anemic in their week one loss to the New England Patriots.Deshaun Watsonlooked like he hadn’t played meaningful football in ten months and had a ton of rust to shake off.
The offensive line also didn’t do aphenomenaljob protecting Watson. However, Watson was very slow through his progressions and held on to the ball for a lot longer than he needed to, regardless of pressure.
The good news is that the Texans were able to muster a rushing attack without getting the passing game going.Lamar Millernearly rushed for 100 yards for the first time since 2016 and looked far more explosive and decisive than he ever had since donning a Houston Texans uniform.
Not helping the passing game, the Texans were also down at least two, really three receivers.Sammie Coates,Keke Coutee, andWill Fuller‘s status for the game were all in question. Come game day, Coates suited up but did not play much and Coutee and Fuller did not suit up.
All three guys are questionable again but theHouston Texansbonafide number two receiver, Fuller, should play today. This should, hopefully, bolster the passing attack that did begin to pick up steam towards the end of the week one game.
The Titans have a decent defense though, they did allow 27 points to a Dolphins offense that is projected to be one of the worst in the league this year. They have some good pass rushers but their secondary is still coming together with two new starters.
There is only one guy in that secondary that could potentially match the speed of Fuller on that defense and it isAdoree Jackson. Jackson is nearly as fast as Fuller but he struggled big time last week in coverage with a 44.1 coverage grade,according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required)against lesser receivers.
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However, Jackson is the Titans third corner behindLogan RyanandMalcolm Butler. They both graded out much better than Jackson in coverage and pose a bigger threat to the Texans receivers. But, the Texans still match up well with their corners. None of the corners can outleapDeAndre Hopkinsand neither Ryan or Butler can run with Fuller.
Fuller’s speed is going to add an element, regardless of defender, to theHouston Texansoffense. He can take the top off of a defense and makes great use of Watson’s terrific arm. He also extends the field and allows other guys like Coutee,Jordan Akins, andJordan Thomasmore room to operate in the middle.
Gaining Fuller back without a doubt gives the Texans thebest wide receiving corps in the AFC South. The offense is much better with him in it and he will help take it to new levels in week two against the Titans.
Fuller will provide a huge boost to this offense figuratively and literally today and it will help the Texans get their first win of the season. For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus,subscribeto PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.
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