Offense must show get-up-and-go
Clean QB play at forefront of what coach wants to see
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. — Tom Savage laughed when he talked about the Texans finally reaching their first preseason game.
“I think the offense and the defense are getting on each other’s nerves right now,” he said.
It’s easy to see where he is coming from.
For two weeks, the team has been on the practice fields, in the weight room, in film sessions and team meetings together.
On Wednesday night, they finally get to face another team when they play the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C.
The first preseason game will give the Texans a chance to put their weeks of practice to use.
Coach Bill O’Brien will get a look at what’s working, what needs adjusting and what the Texans need to do in their final stretch of time at The Greenbrier before they head back to the Houston heat and prepare for the regular season.
There are a few obvious things O’Brien needs to look for. It starts with the No. 1 question going into the season. The quarterbacks. Savage is the starter. When he was named the starter for a game last season, there was an overflow of excitement. Fans were tired of then-starter Brock Osweiler — now the pride of the Cleveland Browns — and yearned for a change.
Savage was hurt and Osweiler was back just like that.
Now, we enter the season knowing Savage is the guy. And rookie Deshaun Watson — the former Clemson phenom — and Brandon Weeden are the backups.
Seeing the trio of QBs — all three will play Wednesday — against another defense is going to say a lot about where they are with O’Brien’s offensive plans.
No Cam for Panthers
O’Brien knows what he wants to see.
“Good operation of the offense,” he said. “Take care of the football. Getting in and out of the huddle quickly. Just an overall — from all three of them — just a clean game, a clean operation. Everybody on the same page and see if we can score some points.”
In addition, it’s crucial the offensive line — which is missing Duane Brown — can protect the three. Savage’s game management, his ability to find receivers, his execution will all be watched and critiqued closely.
The quarterback situation will continue to be at the forefront of all the conversations heading into the season, as usual for this team.
Hopefully, Wednesday’s game will provide some insight.
On the flip side, there are less questions about the defense.
The Texans’ defense was the constant last season. And this year, the unit could be even better thanks to the return of J.J. Watt.
“I think our defense is incredible,” receiver Jaelen Strong said. “I think they play a big part in making (the offense) better.”
The Texans’ defense was consistently among the top units in the league all season.
The defense helped lead the team to the AFC South championship while the offense worked out kinks all season.
The unit has been impressive in camp.
If the defense can continue the dominance it showed last season, that bodes very well for the Texans.
Unfortunately (and expectedly), the Panthers won’t play quarterback Cam Newton in the preseason opener. It would have been nice to see the Texans’ defense up against a quality quarterback.
Cushing praises offense
Still, we will get to see what the group is made of. O’Brien said every available, healthy player will play in the game.
That means Watt will take the field for the first time in what he says feels like forever.
Brian Cushing said the defense is ready to play someone besides its own offense. He also said he has been excited about what he has seen from the offense this season.
“They’re definitely improving,” Cushing said. “You can tell with the playcalling, the execution, the tempo, everything. They’ve challenged us a lot more this offseason from the OTAs until now. It’s definitely an improved group, and we’re excited to see what they can put on the field. It’s going to be fun to watch. But at the same time, we have to come out there and we have to play the best defense that we possibly can, and the days have gone back and forth and it’s been extremely competitive. It’s been a lot of fun.”
The competitive nature of the Texans has been apparent and should bode well for the team.
It has been a different offseason for the Texans. They’ve been away from distractions. Roles seem more clear — O’Brien calling plays, Savage starting at quarterback, Watt back where he belongs.
On Wednesday night, all of those things come together for the first time.
The talk is backed up by action, and we’ll see if the Texans are headed in the right direction.