On Thursday, the Houston Texans took on the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington. Though the Cowboys could be the Texans biggest and most despised rival, it is still the final game of preseason. For the most part team starters sat this one out, a 28-17 win for Houston.
Houston Texans Downsizing As Roster Deadline Looms
To most fans, this game is about as insignificant as, say, the Pro Bowl, but to a lot of the drafted players, the walk-ons, and even some veteran free-agent players vying for a job, it is their entire world, it is their dream, their everything.
“I think it’s significant,” said Texans coach Bill O’Brien. “There’s a number of guys that will be playing in this Dallas game that really are fighting for a spot on this team. There’s some really tough decisions that are going to have to be made over the next five, six days. This game will play a part of it.”
Among the players released before Monday’s deadline to cut the team roster down to 75 are as follows-defensive lineman Ra’Zahn Howard, wide receiver Josh Lenz, offensive lineman Matt Pierson, linebacker Ryan Langford, linebacker Carlos Thompson, offensive lineman Arturo Uzdavinis, and wide receiver Tevin Jones.
Saturday, Sept. 3rd is the official 53 man roster deadline. As a rule in the NFL, out of every 10 players cut before the deadline, at least seven will be picked up by another team. Most of those players will be picked up within the first 48 hours after they‘ve been cut.
The Texans taking the 34-24 win over the mighty Arizona Cardinals last Sunday was truly awesome to watch. The offense was ticking, the defense was clicking, the cheerleaders were bopping, and Texans fans were a-rocking. Throughout the stadium, the high level of excitement remained from the very start of the game to the last second on the game clock. The Texans looked tough in their win, but unfortunately, except for the fanfare the much deserved victory doesn’t even count.
Brock Osweiler continues to show that he is the $72 million man for the job. Against the Cardinals, Osweiler played through nearly two quarters and finished 11 for 13 for 146 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He would’ve had one more touchdown added to his daily stats had rookie wide receiver Will Fuller not dropped a long ball in the end zone. For the record, Fuller finished the day with three catches for 67 yards and a touchdown and is emerging as Osweiler’s favorite target. Seemingly, the Texans offense was able to score at will.
“This offense came out here today, this entire team came out here today, and we got better,” Osweiler said after Sunday‘s game. “I think if you look at all three of our preseason games thus far, we’re constantly improving, we’re fixing mistakes and we’re getting better each week. That’s really what you want to see at this point in time.”
Nothing can take away from the exceptional production value displayed on offense, except defense. Thanks to guys like linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, offensive lineman John Simon, and linebacker Whitney Mercilus, the Houston Texans have arguably one of the best defenses in the league, most likely one of the top three defenses drafted in fantasy football leagues, and their best player, J.J. Watt, has yet to play on the field. For the record, the Texans defense came away with four interceptions and a fumble recovery against the Cardinals. Through three preseason games Clowney has a total of four and a half sacks. Furthermore, the regular season hasn’t even started yet.
Sitting atop the AFC south division at 3-0 in preseason, the Texans are showing the promise that draws nationwide, even worldwide, exposure. Devoted fans will pay good money to watch the Texans play and they will fill NRG stadium, even in a snow storm, just to be there for their team. Their winning team. The Houston Texans.
I know I’m excited. Still speculative as it is the preseason, but excited. Houston fans know it’s been along time since they’ve felt such a buzz for this team. And the buzz feels good. This could very well become one of the greatest seasons ever.
God bless America and thank God for the Houston Texans.
