Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints Notebook: Defense Finishes Strong
The Houston Texans defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-13 on Sunday afternoon.
The offense struggled throughout the second half and probably would've lost if the defense didn't play so well in the final 30 minutes.
So, following the Texans' sixth game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Texans Offense Outdueled Falcons in First Half
The Texans offense scored a very solid 17 points in the first half, with touchdowns coming from tight end Dalton Schultz and receiver Nico Collins.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud often threw long passes in the first 30 minutes that led to the scores plus a Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal.
Houston won practically every single statistical category in the first half, including the first down battle (14-to-10), more rushing (97-to-29) and total yards ()and had six more minutes of possession.
Stroud finished the half completing 10-of-17 attempts for 141 yards, two touchdowns and an interception--his first of his career.
The rushing attack was also beneficial to Houston's success, but Pierce wasn't the leader. Backup Devin Singletary led in that department with nine carries for 53 yards.
2. Texans Defense Holds Off Saints in Third Quarter
Houston's defense held New Orleans to just three points in the third quarter, despite numerous long gains by receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas and tight end Foster Moreau.
The Texans notched three points themselves, but their defense started the third quarter momentum with a third-down sack by defensive linemen Jonathan Greenard and Maliek Collins. Sheldon Rankins also logged a sack later in the quarter.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) runs the ball as Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) defends during the second quarter at NRG Stadium.
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Houston's offense was stagnant in the period as two of their three possessions resulted in three-and-outs. It's worth noting that two completions went for 41 yards.
3. Texans Defense Finishes Strong
New Orleans continued to drive after Olave's 19-yard catch at the end of the third quarter, but it was very methodical. Receiver Rashid Shaheed had the longest play of the drive with a 12-yard run, but it would be all for none as Blake Grupe missed his second field goal of the game (53-yarder in first quarter).
Houston went on to punt five plays later, as they couldn't take advantage after a long defensive pass interference penalty.
New Orleans took control immediately on their next possession, as Saints quarterback Derek Carr connected with Shaheed for 51 yards. However, once again, Houston's defense held strong with a fourth down tackle two yards short of the line to gain by cornerback Shaq Griffin and linebacker Blake Cashman with a little over two minutes remaining.
Stroud couldn't ice the game though, as they punted after five plays.
Houston's defense needed one more stop, but the drive couldn't start any worse as Griffin was flagged for a 16-yard pass interference. The Saints had numerous medium gains that brought them to the Texans' 33-yard line with 35 seconds left.
Houston went toe-to-toe on the next three plays, as all of Carr's pass attempts were incomplete. Now facing a fourth-and-10, the Texans got the final stop after an interception by Steven Nelson to end the game.
It's a good thing that the defense shined when it mattered most, as Stroud completed just three passes in the second half. The rushing attack was held most of the time as well.
