The third preseason game is usually the “tune-up” game. Most teams treat this exactly like a game week. In a typical game week, Wednesday is an install for 1st and 2nd downs, Thursday is 3rd down install, Friday red-zone install, and Saturday is a walkthrough. So teams use this week to get their guys in the habit of a game week and to start prepping for week 1. Across the league, you use to see starters play a lot more than what they have played in the first couple games, but within the last five years or so, you’ve seen some changes where you might not see the star players at all. So for the Texans, I’m not sure how long we will see the starters and for some like JJ Watt and Will Fuller will we see them at all?? But for the guys that are playing, let's keep an eye out for these five things tonight.
1. Can Roderick Johnson start at LT?
Brother Rod as the players call him has put together a very nice camp and has strung together some impressive games. With Matt Kalil missing at practice since the Lions came to town, this is the perfect opportunity for Roderick to win this position and not look back. He has grown as a player significantly since being drafted by the Browns in 2017. As his reps increase, he is getting better and better, his technique looks good, and his confidence is growing. Last week might have been his best practice week, and I'm excited to see him continue to grow and protect number 4. Can he win the job? I think so, but let’s watch and see.
2. Duke Johnson Time!
People have been talking about this trade since March, and it finally happened. Duke Johnson is a Texan, and he is playing! He looked outstanding in practice this week, showing great hands and awareness but also a burst when the ball is in his hands. The Texans won't unleash everything they want to do with him tonight, but it will be fun to watch him make some plays in a Texan uniform. Duke and Lamar Miller will be a nasty 1-2 punch this upcoming year.
3. Do not sleep on BBC
The slot /nickel corner position is still up for grabs. I believe this is a big game for Aaron Colvin to show he can be the guy but don’t sleep on Brien Boddy – Calhoun. He has made plays on special teams for the Texans this preseason and has a history of playing multiple positions. We all know how O’Brien loves versatile players, and BBC fits that role. He can play nickel and safety. This slot corner position is an important position in the NFL today and its still up for grabs. I'm interested to see who wins the battle.
4. Can the rookie class continue to improve?
One thing you want to see in the preseason from your rookies that you drafted and brought in is the ability to make plays when their number is called upon and to improve each and every week. So far, I feel like overall the class of 2019 is doing a decent job, but we need more. The Texans are not far from serious Super Bowl contention, but they need the young players like Scharping, Howard, Lonnie Johnson, and Tyron Johnson, to name a few, to be contributors this year and for there role to grow as time goes along. Let's see if they can make plays on a big stage like AT&T Stadium.
5. Punt, Punt, and Punt
Now, of course, you never want to punt the ball, or punt too much in a game. You want to score every time you have the ball on offense, but when you do have to punt, it is one of the most critical plays in the game of football. It’s a play where the field position changes instantly and can change the momentum of a game with a good or bad punt. In my eyes it’s been pretty even, they each have three punts apiece, and the stats are about the same. So this game and the next will be crucial for these guys because first cuts are after this game.