FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
The Texans play Arizona at NRG Stadium on Sunday. The Cardinals are a preseason Super Bowl pick by many experts. They have talent on both sides of the ball, playoff experience and a good coach in Bruce Arians. Here are five Texans players to watch against the Cardinals:
1
He’s coming off another impressive week of practice, according to the coaches. After excelling against New Orleans in practice, he was disruptive in the victory over the Saints. Clowney was smart and productive in practice last week. He’s expected to play two quarters at least against the Cardinals.
2
Because of his outstanding speed, fans sometimes forget that he also has some power and can run between the tackles. He picked up the system fast and has shown consistent improvement in practice as a runner, receiver and blocker. He hasn’t gotten a lot of carries because the coaches want to keep him healthy.
3
At 6-2, 235, he’s undersized for a tight end, but he knows how to run routes, get open and catch the ball. The quarterbacks are developing more confidence in him. He’s a willing blocker, but he’s going to make the team because of his hands. Since the start of the offseason program, he has impressed his coaches.
4
At 185, he’s not going to be a workhorse, but that’s not why he was drafted in the fourth round. As a terrific runner with speed and quickness, he provides a change of pace. He’s a superb receiver. Most importantly, though, is that he needs to be the difference-making return man this team has been missing.
5
Until Duane Brown returns, Clark is the starter at left tackle. He started four games last season, two on each side, and the Texans went 2-2. They made an excellent trade to get him from Denver, where he started in their Super Bowl season of 2013. He’s intelligent, knows the system well and can handle most opponents.