Atlanta Falcons matchup preview: Houston Texans
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) scores a touchdown during the second quarter as Houston Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) attempts to make a tackle at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
FB: J.J. Watt will be a big focus on the Falcons’ game plan. Can he match his incredible 2014, or get even better?
RG: I think he can be as impactful, even if the stats don’t match up. He has hit the 20.5 sack mark twice in his young career and as amazing as that is, he could be a victim of his own success. He can have a stellar 2015 season and if he gets 14 sacks people will say “what happened to him?”
Watt can finish with half his sack totals from 2014 but still alter everything, and I mean absolutely everything, that the offense does. He is a beast and I only see him getting better.
FB: Watt will play a key role in the game in Week 4. What will the Texans need to do to beat the Falcons?
RG: Atlanta struggled on the lines last season, so to win this opponent there needs to be a great game in the trenches by Houston. If they can slow the Atlanta pass rush, which looks much more formidable after bringing in Brooks Reed (from Houston of course) and rookie Vic Beasley.
FB: Let’s turn it around — what do Atlanta need to do to get a victory?
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RG: The blue print needs to be the same for both teams, win inside. If Atlanta can get the O-line of Houston off their game and force them to abandon the run, it can be a long day for Houston.
Offensively, Atlanta can take advantage of the secondary (which was a weak spot, although now rebuilt) if they can keep Watt and company out of their offensive backfield. It sounds boring, but simply win with the big guys, they win the game.
I’d like to thank Randy for his time. He does a great job at providing excellent coverage of the Houston Texans over at Toro Times. We will speak with him some more the week leading up to the game.