If there’s vulnerability in the Houston defense, it’s in the secondary – specifically, at corner. Cornerback Brice McCain fractured his foot during Sunday’s win over the Titans and is lost for the year, while fellow cornerback Johnathan Joseph (who has traditionally been matched against the opponents’ best receiver) has been battling a hamstring issue. As good as the Texans are when it comes to getting after the passer, they are strictly middle of the road when it comes to overall pass defense – Houston yields an average of 235 passing yards per game, 19th in the NFL. (Things have deteriorated to the point where the Texans signed defensive back Stanford Routt off the street on Tuesday.) Most times, Houston has compensated for injuries (or substandard play) in the secondary by dialing up the pass rush. It’s questionable as to whether or not it can do it again on Monday night against the best passing offense it will face all season.
Great stuff, packed with scout insight.
