The Houston Texans were winners in Week 1 over the Indianapolis Colts. The win sets a strong tone for what many expect to be an AFC contender deep into January. However, a team winning a game doesn’t tell the whole story.
Here’s a look at three major takeaways from the Texans after one game.
C.J. Stroud’s composure is back
Many quarterbacks who ascend in their rookie seasons see a step back in the following year. This can make some quarterbacks look like completely different players as defenses catch up to them.
However, C.J. Stroud’s clutch gene appears to be back.
This was demonstrated on a fourth and inches play in which Stroud slipped to his knees but still completed a pass for a first down. Most quarterbacks would have given up on the play had it gone that wrong. Instead, Stroud salvaged a first down.
Joe Mixon addition might be best of entire offseason
The reason why the Bengals allowed Joe Mixon to leave in the first place was a mystery. Now, giving up on the running back appears downright foolish after one game.
Perhaps the Bengals, who deserve credit for getting Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, know something about the back that will be a problem later down the line.
However, Mixon dominated in his debut with the Texans, racking up 30 carries for 159 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, and one touchdown. If he gets those numbers every week, Stroud might not even be the biggest difference-maker on the team this season.
Stefon Diggs relegated to red zone target for Texans
Stefon Diggs received plenty of hype as a back-of-the-box addition to the Texans’ roster. However, while he shined in one particular area, he didn’t have the greatest game in the yardage department. Diggs earned two touchdowns but just 33 yards. If that is all the Houston Texans need from him this year, it might be hard to complain.
However, if this is his role, it serves as a demotion from his role in Buffalo, where seemingly the entire passing offense ran through him.
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