REPORT CARD
B Overall
The Texans forced three Baker Mayfield interceptions and coasted to a 23-0 halftime lead before winning 29-13. They increased their win streak to nine games and elevated their record to 9-3.
Quarterback B
Deshaun Watson threw more than 24 passes for the first time since the Buffalo game. He completed 22 for 224 yards and a touchdown. Most important, he didn’t throw an interception.
Running backs B
Lamar Miller ran for 103 yards on 19 carries — his fourth 100-yard game this season. Alfred Blue added 54 yards on 13 carries. They helped control the ball for 37 minutes, 35 seconds.
Receivers B-
DeAndre Hopkins caught seven passes for 91 yards. Tight end Jordan Thomas had an 11-yard touchdown reception. All three tight ends had catches. DeAndre Carter had six catches playing in the slot but for only 32 yards.
Offensive line
B Once again, the run blocking was terrific, helping the Texans rush for 187 yards. It lost Kendall Lamm (concussion) and Zach Fulton (hand). Deshaun Watson was sacked four times, but he held the ball too long on two.
Defensive line
C It spent a lot of time chasing Baker Mayfield, who was not sacked. J.J. Watt recorded the only quarterback hit. It helped limit the Browns to 31 yards rushing but on only nine carries.
Linebackers
C+ Zach Cunningham returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. He also knocked down two passes. Benardrick McKinney recorded four tackles. Jadeveon Clowney had one tackle.
Secondary
B Justin Reid was outstanding with one forced fumble, and he recovered an onsides kick. Johnathan Joseph and Andre Hal had interceptions. Tyrann Mathieu and Aaron Colvin tied for the lead with six tackles each. B
Special teams
Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked five field goals, including a 53-yarder. Trevor Daniel punted three times and put all inside the 20, including one at the Browns’ 6. Kickoff coverage was solid. B+
Coaching
Bill O’Brien and his staff made sure the Texans were ready for the Browns and not looking ahead to the Colts. They came out in a frenzy and jumped to a 23-0 halftime lead on the way to a ninth win in a row.