No. 1: Starting games slow

Aside from the 21 points scored in the first half of Week 4 in Indianapolis, the Texans haven’t exactly gotten off to hot starts in games. Through the first three weeks, the Texans have only managed to score a combined 19 points in the first half, allowing them to be outscored in the first half of games 55-19.

Trialing by so much entering the second half of these games hinders both the offense and defense. The offensive play calling becomes one-dimensional. In order to get back into the game, Houston has to throw nearly every play.

Meanwhile, on defense, opposing offense can just execute ball control. Opposing offenses will simply hold their lead by running the football, neutralizing that Texans’ dominant pass rush. This showed itself in Houston’s loss to the Giants, as New York rushed for over 100 yards.

If the Texans wants to climb back to the .500 mark, they must start games fast and play with a lead throughout.

“We need to start fast and finish strong,” said Tyrann Mathieu.

Exactly.