After watching the Texans-Saints game and letting the whole thing simmer for a day, here are some thoughts on what went down...
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- I was shocked to see Joel Dreesen in this one. With all the attention Owen Daniels and James Casey have been getting in the passing game, Dreesen has become somewhat of a forgotten man in the offense. He's played in all three games, but his targets have dropped precipitously from last season. ↵
- Speaking of Casey, I don't think I've seen many balls thrown better than the Matt Schaub touchdowns to him in the second half. Dropping right over the shoulder of Casillas and into Casey's hands, it was a thing of beauty. Marked a very nice game for Casey that included a great catch-and-run that was capped by him waiting for a Kevin Walter block to get a few more yards. ↵
- Can't really blame the offensive line, but the running game faltered in the second half and especially in the red zone. Some of that was the play calling; how many of those Tate runs got snuffed out behind the line or for no gain? But, they also had a problem with Tate himself. At least twice that I can remember, he had a chance to cut up the field and didn't make it . I'm not positive that Arian Foster would have been better inside the 20, but I have a feeling he would have been. ↵
- For three quarters, the defense looked like it has all season. They got pressure on Drew Brees and made a few nice interceptions. However, the fourth quarter changed all that. Instead of maintaining that pressure, the Saints were able to break down their coverage and make plays when needed. Look at the crucial drive's biggest plays: Darren Sproles catching two 10-yard passes from the slot and Jimmy Graham going down the seam. That's just good playcalling by the Saints. ↵
- I have never been more impressed with Andre Johnson than I was on that screen pass on third-and-14 in the first quarter. It was a well-designed play, but the first down was only possible because Dre is such a beat. Seriously, finishing the run the way he did? Not many receivers in the league can make that play. Not many at all. ↵
- I want to be more doom and gloom about what happened, but I can't bring myself to be that bummed out by the game. The same thing almost happened to the Packers in Week 1 and playing in New Orleans is just so tough. If anything, the Texans showed plenty of signs that they can make the leap to being a playoff team in this one. Now if only they can keep it up against the Steelers this week... ↵