(SportsRadio 610) - Instead of talking about the unsung heroes contributing to a victory to snap an eight-game losing skid, the Texans' winless streak hit nine as they were once again unable to get out of their own way, falling to the Chiefs 30-24 Sunday afternoon.
Good teams don’t have that problem too often, and when they do, they can correct those mistakes.
The Texans seem to compound them.
Playing shorthanded Sunday without key contributors like Derek Stingley Jr., Steven Nelson, Nico Collins, Kenyon Green, Brandin Cooks and Dameon Pierce, the Texans got major contributions from their backups.
Unfortunately, their best efforts were negated by another costly late game blunder.
The Texans made enough plays to hang around, getting their best game from second-year quarterback Davis Mills and two more takeaways from the defense in the process, but made more bad plays that proved costly, low-lighted by Mills’ lost fumble in overtime.
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Give these guys props:
Royce Freeman
With a high ankle sprain sidelining rookie running back Dameon Pierce for the remainder of the season, fifth-year pro Royce Freeman got his first opportunity to show what he could do after being stashed on the practice squad all season.
Freeman didn’t disappoint, rushing for 51 yards on 11 carries.
"It was fun. Running behind those guys, they make my job so much easier," Freeman said of Houston's offensive line, which was also down a starter in rookie left guard Kenyon Green and his backup Justin McCray. "I’ve got a lot of things to work on, but I was so excited and it was truly a blessing to be back out there with my guys.”
While Houston's offensive personnel usage has been questionable this season, it would be surprising if Freeman didn’t see the bulk of the carries the final three weeks of the season based on what he showed Sunday against the Chiefs.
Freeman does need to work on some things, including keeping his legs moving through initial contact.
Like anyone that hasn’t seen game reps for an extended period of time, Freeman said it took him a while to regain a feel for the game.
“Getting back in the groove a little bit quicker,” Freeman said. “I feel like I could’ve finished some runs a little bit better and that’s just something that will hopefully progress as the weeks come and opportunities as well.”
The journeyman running back should see more touches as the year winds down. Dare Ogunbowale ran the ball eight times for 14 yards Sunday and will likely see his share of touches as well, but it’s clear that Freeman is the better of the two backs.
Christian Harris
Rookie linebacker Christian Harris had his best game. Playing in his eighth game as a pro, Harris led the team in tackles Sunday with 14 total, including three tackles-for-loss and a hit on the quarterback.
Harris has plenty to work on still, particularly his tackling and coverage ability when asked to drop, but overall there is plenty to his game to be excited about.
Blake Cashman
Mainly an ace special teams contributor, noted for his speed and ability to get off blocks, Cashman has seen his role at linebacker increase of late.
The fourth-year pro jumped on a loose ball last week in Dallas, recovering a muffed punt return by KaVontae Turpin. On Sunday against the Chiefs, Cashman while in at linebacker sacked Patrick Mahomes for a 12-yard loss on the Chiefs' first possession in overtime.
A week removed from signing a one-year extension with the team, Cashman is an easy guy to root for, plays hard, works hard and is a catalyst of easily the best unit on the team, special teams.
Jake Hansen
Like every other Texans linebacker in the game and really all season, Hansen had a lot of trouble in coverage. But he played well enough defensively to help the Texans hang around.
Hansen recovered a fumble in the third quarter after cornerback Tremon Smith lit up JuJu Smith-Schuster. He was also in on a sack, credited to Kirksey in the first quarter.
He may not be long for the roster, but for giving the Texans another opportunity to try and pull off the biggest upset the league would’ve seen this season, against one of the powers that be in the AFC, he deserved some props for an improved effort Sunday.
Tremon Smith
Getting the start for injured corner Steven Nelson, Smith again didn’t disappoint.
Coming off the bench in the second quarter after Nelson went down with a foot injury against Dallas, Smith finished with two interceptions last week.
Against the Chiefs, Smith did allow a touchdown to Marquez Valdez-Scantling as time was winding down in the second quarter. He was overpowered on the play, as it was an excellent example of why size does matter in the NFL. The previous play, he had a nice pass deflection on an attempted touchdown throw while defending Jody Fortson.
Smith made some hard hits, none bigger than the lick he put on Smith-Schuster, forcing a fumble in the third quarter. He’s been a solid return man for the Texans and has played better than expected in a backup role for Nelson.
Shaun Bijani has spent the last 16 years covering the Houston sports scene for SportsRadio 610. Follow him on Twitter @ShaunBijani.
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