Houston Texans

Houston Texans: Week 1 MVP and game balls

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Following the Houston Texans 23-14 Week 1 win there are plenty good feelings in the air, here is a look at who should be most proud of themselves after the win

The Houston Texans probably won’t be too thrilled to watch the film on the first half of the game. Things were a little sloppy and they allowed the Bears to march right down the field for a lead changing score just before the half.

However, the second half was a different story as the defense tightened their grips and shut out Chicago in the final 30 minutes. Here are some players who stood out in the game and deserve some recognition.

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Game MVP: Will Fuller

The rookie was electric in his first pro game. He caught five passes and recorded 107 yards receiving. He has added a new element to the offense that they haven’t had in years.

His deep speed is unmatched by any player on the roster and he proved he can be just as dangerous on short pass plays as well. He scored his first career touchdown on an 18-yard screen play in which the defense just couldn’t touch him.

This could be a fun season for Texans fans as they watch Fuller do his thing.

Game Ball Awards

Fuller wasn’t the only guy who stepped up on Sunday. A few other guys deserved some recognition, even if they don’t get the most valuable player award.

The player who deserves this recognition on defense would be outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus. The pass rushing linebacker picked up where he left off last season when he had a career high 12 sacks.

On Sunday he provided plenty of pressure and recorded two sacks on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. He wound up with four total tackles, but it was the pass rush he provided that was the key.

Offensively the player that helped most outside of Fuller was running back Lamar Miller. The praise always goes to the quarterback, and Brock Osweiler did play well, but Miller’s tough running and 106 yards on the ground was huge for keeping their offense balanced. Last season, balance was an issue. This year, it looks like they have their work horse on the ground.

Honorable Mentions

Defensive ends J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney played great. The Texans put Clowney’s hands in the dirt and they were rewarded with two tackles for a loss and a quarterback sack.

Watt is the leader of this defense and surprised no one by showing up to play Sunday despite spending all of training camp recovering from back surgery. What was surprising was that he played all but three snaps. He recorded only one tackle, but had three quarterback pressures.

Watt may not have lit up the stat sheet, but fighting through his recovery like he did to make opening day was a huge bonus for the team.

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