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The Houston Texans have been getting it done with defense lately, and they'll look to continue that trend Sunday at home against the New Orleans Saints.
The Texans (5-5), are tied for first in the AFC South after winning three straight games. Houston's defense is holding opponents to an average of just 9.7 points per game during that stretch. Quarterback Brian Hoyer, who sat out of last week's win over the New York Jets with a concussion, will be back under center this week.
The Saints (4-6) are coming off a bye having lost two straight. New Orleans fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan after the team's 47-14 loss to the Washington Redskins on Nov. 5 and replaced him with former Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen. While the defense has struggled, Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense remain typically effective. The Saints average 313.2 passing yards per game, second-best in the NFL, and 25.5 points per game, eighth best in the league.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Saints and the Texans.
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1. Don't rely on just Delvin Breaux to cover DeAndre Hopkins
While Breaux has done great against many opponents this season, Hopkins has quickly proved to be nearly unguardable in single coverage situations. If the Saints choose to put just one player with no help on Hopkins, it's going to be a very, very long day. With Dennis Allen now running the show though, it should be interesting to see how the defense chooses to defend the star wideout.
2. Utilize Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller in the passing game
While the Texans haven't been bad against the run this season, they have struggled against pass-catching running backs. To this point in the year, Houston has allowed running backs to total 50 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns. This sets up beautifully for Ingram, but also may be a great opportunity for Spiller to really breakout and play a big role in the offense. Both players are going to be worth watching in Week 12.
3. Force the Texans to run the ball
Since Arian Foster went down four games ago against the Miami Dolphins, the Texans have struggled to run the ball mightily. No player has topped 58 rushing yards in any of the previous three games, showing that while the Texans are winning, it's not due to the run game. Alfred Blue has shown glimpses at times this season, but the Saints need to put the Texans in situations where they have to run it.
1. Throw it up to Hop
Last week Darrelle Revis became the latest corner to try, and fail, to stop Hopkins. Houston's emerging star caught five passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns with journeyman T.J. Yates starting at quarterback. There's no reason to deviate from a winning formula this week. As they've done all season, the Texans should continue to throw it to Hopkins, no matter who is covering him. Good things tend to happen.
2. Limit Brandin Cooks
While Hopkins has helped carry the offense, it's Houston's defense that is largely responsible for the team's climb back to .500 after a 2-5 start to the season. This week, the challenge will largely fall to the Texans' defensive backs to contain a Saints offense led by a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Brees and his favorite target in Cooks. The second-year receiver has 50 receptions for 701 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 14 yards per catch. If Houston can slow Cooks down, it will go a long way towards keeping the Saints' offense in check.
3. More Wildcat please
The Texans broke out the Wildcat formation last week and used it to jump-start their sputtering run game. Houston ran for 123 yards against a stout Jets run defense and should continue to experiment this week with direct snaps to wide receiver Cecil Shorts and running back Jonathan Grimes. The Saints won't be surprised after seeing the Texans employ it last week, but the gadget play can still keep opposing defenses off balance when used in moderation. The Texans, who have had difficulty running the ball all season, need to do what they can to add balance to their offense.
