5 THINGS TO WATCH VS. SAINTS
1The continued improvement of quarterback Tom Savage. He has been outstanding on his last three series, yielding two long touchdown drives and another that stalled at New England’s 6-yard line. Savage should receive his most extended playing time of preseason in his last appearance before sitting out the Dallas game. Depending on how the game goes, he could play almost three quarters before handing it over to rookie Deshaun Watson. Savage doesn’t have a turnover in two preseason games. He looks in command of the offense. He needs to be flexible at the line of scrimmage and decisive when he makes his reads and delivers the ball. Making more progress in the red zone is essential. The Texans had three TDs and two field goals in six trips into the Patriots’ red zone.
2More progress from rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. The most impressive thing about his performance in the preseason is how smart he has been with the ball. He doesn’t have a turnover. He hasn’t tried to force the ball into tight coverage. He has been wise to throw it away. When he runs, he knows when to slide to avoid unnecessary hits rather than try to run around or over defenders. The coaches say he has done a good job of making the right adjustments at the line of scrimmage. He’s misfired on some passes, as all quarterbacks do. He has made mistakes, as all rookies do. But, overall, the coaches have been pleased with his progress and want to see him take another positive step against the Saints.
3The coaches need to evaluate the younger receivers who are getting a chance to play because of injuries. Even though he has been with the team for less than three weeks, Bruce Ellington has impressed his coaches and teammates with 37- and 33-yard receptions in the victory over New England. Unless Ellington bombs out, he’ll make the team. It’s time for Wendall Williams to step up. He was splendid at training camp with so many catches in practice, but he hasn’t had a lot of chances in the previous two games. He’s the fastest player on the team. Dres Anderson, Chris Thompson and Justin Hardee are other receivers who can enhance their chances to earn a spot on the practice squad at the least.
4Injuries at running back are going to play a role in what happens with the offense against the Saints. Starter Lamar Miller and reserve Tyler Ervin are the only healthy backs. Miller will get his most extensive playing time of the preseason. The coaches have taken it easy on him because they’ve needed to look at the backs behind him. It’s time for Miller to get enough carries to get him ready for the first regular-season game against Jacksonville. Ervin will come off the bench to carry the ball and catch passes. He should play more this game than any other time in preseason. Ervin’s versatility on offense, as well as his ability to return kickoffs and punts, guarantees him a spot on the team. The Saints’ game would be a good time for him to excel.
5The coaches have to decide who their starting offensive tackles will be for the Jacksonville opener in case Duane Brown continues to hold out with his contract dispute. Kendall Lamm and Breno Giacomini started against New England. Giacomini is a 10-year veteran who seems to have fit in nicely. Lamm is a third-year player who’s starting for the first time. Veteran Chris Clark is the swing tackle. If Brown reports for the season opener against the Jaguars, Lamm can move back to the right side. The big question in the interior line involves the guard position. Will David Quessenberry and Chad Slade, both of whom have done well in practice and games, make the team as backups?