Crennel stands by bold call
Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel doubled down on his decision to have quarterback DeshaunWatson try an illfated two-point conversion attempt during an overtime road loss to the Titans.
The aggressive decision ultimately backfired as Watson’s pass intended for wide receiver Randall Cobb was tipped by Jeffery Simmons and left the Texans with a sevenpoint lead instead of an insurmountable nine points.
The Titans tied the score with a touchdown pass to A. J. Brown in the final seconds of regulation before winning a coin toss in overtime, much to Watson’s disgust, leading up to powerhouse running back Derrick Henry’s wildcat touchdown run to put the Texans away.
Despite the outcome and dropping to 1-5 for the season, Crennel had no regrets about the decision.
That’s because analytics data suggested strongly that going for it was the right call and provided the greatest chance for a victory — especially because of the Texans’ ultra-vulnerable defense that allowed Henry to run roughshod over them for 212 rushing yards and surrendered a franchise-record 601 yards of total offense.
“I think I would do it again because, you know what, you’re on the road against a division opponent who is undefeated, and if you can get a twopoint conversion, you shut the door on them and you win the game,” Crennel said Monday. “I think that when you have that opportunity, if you want to win the game, you go ahead and you try it at that time. So we had a guy open. Unfortunately, the ball got tipped, and we didn’t make it.
“Then they were able to put it into overtime, they got the coin flip and then they win the game. I would do it again because I think it was a good choice.”
What Crennel didn’t say speaks volumes: What confidence could he realistically have in a porous defense that ranks last in the NFL in rushing defense?
The undefeated Titans wound up marching 76 yards in nine plays with little resistance in regulation before driving 82 yards in six plays to win the game on Henry’s touchdown run. Watson was in a groove, completing 28 of 37 passes for 335 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. He completed 14 of 18 passes on first down for 188 yards as he averaged 10.4 yards per attempt.
That’s another reason why Crennel went for two points.
“It had a lot of to do with it,” Crennel said. “We were making plays. We were down there close, so I felt like we had a great opportunity to put the game away if we could get that two-point conversion.”
“Our offense has been about Deshaun ever since he’s gotten here because he’s a playmaker. He has the ball in his hand on every snap on offense and he can dish it to whoever he needs to dish it to. When he gets in trouble, he’s able to get out of trouble with his feet and his instincts.”
Conley’s return not coming soon
The Texans are not optimistic that veteran corner Gareon Conley will be able to return from injured reserve anytime soon, if at all.
Conley underwent offseason arthroscopic ankle surgery, and his rehab didn’t proceed as hoped. He struggled with his flexibility and mobility during training camp before being placed on injured reserve.
“He’s trying to get back, but I don’t think he’s where we need him to be right now,” Romeo Crennel said. “He’s had second opinions, and they haven’t been able to pinpoint anything different, so they’ll have to see how he does and if he can get back.”
Ankou claimed; team works out 2
The Texans were awarded defensive tackle Eli Ankou off waivers from the Colts. Ankou is a former undrafted free agent who was signed by the Texans out of UCLA. He has 26 career tackles, two tackles for losses and 1½ sacks, including 20 games and stints with the Browns and Jaguars. … The Texans are working out former Jaguars linebacker Blair Brown and former Seahawks defensive end/ linebacker Eli Mencer.