The Houston Texans fell 36-31 to the Buffalo Bills, yet the loss revealed clear positives for the Texans. Houston offense showed more balance than a defense, that was expected to be elite given its top ranking from last season. The Bills exposed several vulnerabilities in Houston’s game plan while simultaneously depicting some exceptional individual performances.
Pro Football Focus graded Houston’s roster based on its Week 1. Here are the top-graded offensive backfield performers players for the Texans.
Woody Marks- 74.7
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Marks’ PFF grade is the highest among all Texans offensive players in Week 1. His grade was boosted by his 4.7 yards per carry and ability to create yards after contact. PFF’s season data credits him with four yards after contact per attempt and two explosive runs.
The running back carried the ball nine times for 42 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. His longest run went for 12 yards, and he also forced five missed tackles, according to PFF.
That efficiency helped keep Houston’s overall ground attack productive, as the team finished with 124 rushing yards.
David Montgomery- 72.6
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Montgomery’s rushing efficiency was not spectacular at 3.0 yards per carry, but his production in scoring situations shifted the game’s dynamics. He also averaged 1.9 yards after contact per attempt and caught all three of his targets.
Montgomery finished overall with 20 carries for 60 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while adding three catches for 19 yards and another score through the air. His three total touchdowns marked the most by a Texans player in a season opener in franchise history.
Things the Texans Must Fix Before Week 2 vs. Bengals
The defense must clean up its coverage. Buffalo racked up 409 total yards, and Josh Allen threw for 334 yards with three total touchdowns. Dalton Kincaid was particularly damaging, finishing with 130 receiving yards.
The Texans repeatedly struggled to contain the middle of the field. That cannot continue against Cincinnati, especially if the Bengals use play-action to create space for their skill players.
Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o suffered a shoulder injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Backup Jake Hummel also suffered a groin injury and is considered week-to-week. That leaves Houston thin at linebacker heading into Week 2. Jake Hansen is expected to take on a larger role, while rookie Wade Woodaz could also see more snaps.
Stroud was not perfect, but there was plenty to like. He completed 26 of 38 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. The offense also produced 31 points against Buffalo. Stroud fumbled twice, including on Houston’s final possession. The offensive line also struggled during that final drive, allowing two sacks.
The Texans now have to prepare for a Bengals offense that can attack through the air and on the ground.
