There were lots of questions about the Texans going into week 6. Would Joe Mixon be healthy? How would the team play without Nico Collins? Would the defense hold up? Given their 41-21 victory, they’ve given fans plenty of answers that give this team optimism going forward. Injuries do not seem to stop them from getting wins.
Joe Mixon Does Wonders When Healthy
The Texans’ running game without Mixon has been mediocre. No running back rushed for 60 yards or more with Mixon out. Rushing for first downs was rare, putting more pressure on C.J. Stroud to convert those third downs.
That being said, it is remarkable what a difference Joe Mixon makes. Overall, he ran for 102 yards and a touchdown. More specifically, he could get to that second level and turn ordinary plays into large runs by making defenders miss or simply being faster than everybody. Mixon makes the Texans multidimensional, and opposing defenses might have trouble preparing for that.
Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell Can Pick Up with Collins Out
To say that the offense is the same without Nico Collins on the field would be a huge stretch. Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, though, both proved that they could be reliable options while Collins is on injured reserve. That much was shown early on in the first drive, where Diggs caught a big reception to set up a Tank Dell touchdown later on.
Neither wide receiver got more than a hundred yards this game (something Collins did quite frequently), but combined, they had 134 yards through the air and two touchdowns. They also each had around the same number of targets. It seemed like if one was covered, the other was open, and Stroud always knew which one of the duo to throw to. So, the Texans still have an elite passing game, even with their best-performing receiver out.
Texans Have a Fearsome Defensive Line
It seemed as though every time Drake Maye dropped back to pass in week 6, a Texan defender was already in the backfield looking to hit him. The front four for the Texans have played well all year, but against the Patriots, they were put on display. Unfortunately for New England, two of their starting linemen were out, including Center Dave Andrews, a valued team veteran. Once they were out of the game, it was simply too easy for the Texans to penetrate the Patriots backfield.
One standout player in particular was Will Anderson Jr.. He earned three of the four sacks on Drake Maye in the game. Anderson Jr. also had a big pass deflection and was involved in most of the big plays on the day. Eric Murray is also making a name for himself, recording a pass deflection and seven tackles.
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