Days after DeAndre Hopkins cashed in with his blockbuster $54.5 million payday, the Texans’ overhauled passing game is mired in a recession.
In the wake of a controversial offseason trade that sent Hopkins to Arizona after catching 104 passes for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns on 150 targets last season, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is still adapting to the loss of his favorite target and one of the most talented receivers in the game.
The effects of a virtual offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic, no preseason games to develop timing and chemistry, shoddy pass protection, especially from the right side of the line, and the loss of Hopkins were all on display during the Texans’ 34-20 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
The Texans’ passing game is a definite work in progress while Hopkins is already thriving with the Cardinals as he caught 14 passes for 151 yards on 16 targets from quarterback Kyler Murray on Sunday against the 49ers in a winning debut for his new team.
“We just have to get guys healthy, get guys back in that rhythm and chemistry,” Watson said after his first game since signing a four-year, $156 million contract extension. “It was our first live action with some new pieces, so we’ve just got to continue to just keep growing, learning, watch the film, correct the mistakes and just get ready for next week. Those guys are coming along.”
Brandin Cooks, acquired in a trade from the Rams this offseason and expected to be Hopkins’ replacement as the No. 1 wide receiver, was dealing with a quadriceps injury that affected him the entire training camp and left his status in doubt up to kickoff. Cooks didn’t aggravate the leg injury but is regarded as 75 to 80 percent health-wise, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. Cooks caught two passes for 23 yards on five targets as he played 31 snaps (53 percent).
Randall Cobb, signed to a three-year, $27 million contract to be the new slot receiver, caught two passes for 23 yards on three targets. He wasn’t targeted until the final five minutes with the outcome already decided. Cobb played 46 snaps (78 percent) as DeAndre Carter worked in behind him for 13 snaps and caught one pass for 8 yards.
Kenny Stills didn’t catch a pass, dropping one of his two targets. He only played 22 snaps (37 percent) while dealing with lingering soft-tissue tightness.
The only reliable option for Watson was a familiar one as wide receiver Will Fuller caught eight passes for 112 yards on 10 targets. Fuller had the longest reception of the game for the Texans on a 31-yard pass from Watson.
If he can remain healthy after undergoing double-groin surgery during the offseason, Fuller could emerge as the Texans’ top option with Hopkins gone. Last season, Fuller battled injuries and caught 49 passes for 670 yards and three touchdowns on 71 targets in 11 games.
“He has the opportunity to be very explosive and very successful,” Watson said. “He did a good job of making some plays. We’re going to continue to grow, continue to build our confidence together and that chemistry. He has an opportunity to make a lot of big plays for us.”
Watson completed 20 of 32 passes for 253 yards, one touchdown to tight end Jordan Akins with one interception, which was caused by safety Tyrann Mathieu hitting him in the elbow to disrupt his throw. He ran for one late touchdown with the game already out of reach.
The lack of time to operate and being out of sync with his receivers was a combination that Watson couldn’t overcome. Afterward, Watson acknowledged that the game plan had called for more deep shots.
“Probably the shots,” Watson said. “The one time I took a shot, not including the one in the fourth quarter, but the one that I got hit on, I think it was Tyrann that hit my elbow. I was trying to take a shot.
“That was the only thing we didn’t do. They did a good job of getting back to me. Tyrann did a good job of hitting my arm. That’s pretty much it, just shots down the field.”
Watson could only do so much as he was sacked four times and hit seven times overall as right offensive tackle Tytus Howard allowed two sacks and three pressures. Watson was under pressure on 35 percent of his dropbacks with six plays where he was under duress in less than two seconds, according to Pro Football Focus.
Watson had a 69.2 completion percentage while targeting open receivers, according to Next Gen Stats. Watson finished last season with an 86.7 completion percentage while targeting open receivers.
In three seasons and 38 regular-season games together, Watson and Hopkins combined for 264 catches, 3,343 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Now, Watson is making the adjustments to life without Hopkins and his polished routes and acrobatic catches. Next Sunday, the Texans face the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens dominated the Texans last year during a 41-7 blowout as Watson was sacked six times, twice by Matt Judon, hit nine times and intercepted once as he finished with a 63.7 passer rating.
“We just have to continue to do our job, find the rhythm, get guys on the same page and that’s pretty much it,” Watson said. “Make sure that, including myself, we just have to continue to keep improving and learn from this game, build on it and get ready for next week.”
The Link LonkSeptember 14, 2020 at 03:30AM
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Texans’ passing game a work in progress - Houston Chronicle
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