Atlanta Falcons matchup preview: Houston Texans

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Travis Labhart (19) makes a reception as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain (27) attempts to make a tackle during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

We continue our series, taking a look at each opponent on the Atlanta Falcons’ schedule in 2015. We move onto the Falcons’ fourth game — the Week 4 clash with the Houston Texans.

You can find the other interviews here:

• Philadelphia Eagles: Interview with Inside The Iggles editor Anthony DiBona
• New York Giants: Interview with GMEN HQ editor Chris Schissler
• Dallas Cowboys: Interview with The Landry Hat editor Steve Mullenax

We are very fortunate on the FanSided network to be joined with great team sites for every other NFL franchise, which gives us the opportunity to speak with writers for each Falcons’ opponent. I spoke with Randy Gurzi, editor of Toro Times. Gurzi gives us great insight into the Texans’ offseason, as well as his take on the Week 4 matchup.

This game ends the three-game run against NFC East teams to start the season. After a tough start, the Atlanta Falcons will be tested when the Houston Texans come to town.

The Texans boast one of the best front sevens in football, featuring J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and now Vince Wilfork. They also added cornerback Kevin Johnson and linebacker Benardrick McKinney in the draft to further bolster their defense.

Houston bounced back in 2014 after an awful 2-14 record the season prior. The Texans went from the first overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft to almost making the playoffs.

This year, they will be hoping to go a further step forward and try and end Indianapolis’ dominance in the AFC South.

Atlanta is looking for a similar boost themselves. After winning just ten games over the past two seasons, the Falcons will be aiming to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Next: The Texans' offseason