Houston Texans/Denver Broncos Week 3 Recap

In a game that was billed as a potential heavyweight showdown between two of the AFC’s top teams entering the game. While one team, the Houston Texans showed why they are the cream of the crop in the conference the other, the Denver Broncos showed they have a long way to go before even thinking about reaching the playoffs. Following the Broncos tough 27-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Denver was looking to rebound but the Texans had other plans attempting to gain even more momentum after their impressive 27-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the end the Texans notched a 31-25 victory over the Broncos.

The Texans jumped out to an early lead in large part to a defense that is one of the most dominating units in the NFL and the fine play of their quarterback Matt Schuab. Houston’s signal caller completed 17 of his 30 pass attempts for 290 yards and four touchdowns while throwing just a single interception. Wideouts Kevin Walter (three receptions for 73 yards and TD) and Andre Johnson (two receptions for 72 yards and TD) were the recipients of two of Schaub’s four touchdown passes while running back Arian Foster (25 carries for 105 yards) made sure to keep the Denver defense off balance and guessing via the rushing attack.

The star of Houston’s defense was defensive end J.J. Watt who recorded four tackles and two sacks while keeping the Broncos offensive line wondering how to block him and protect the players in their back field. All around it was a total team effort from the Texans defense as no one from that unit recorder more than four tackles, but it was that equally effort from all of their defensive players that made keeping Peyton Manning somewhat contained possible.

Manning put together a solid game but at times him and his receiving crew still seemed as if they still have plenty of work to do before they’re all on the same page. Manning only completed 26 of his 52 pass attempts for 316 yards and two scores while playing catch up for most of the second half for the second consecutive week. In the process Manning recorded his 64^th career 300-yard passing game which broke Dan Marino’s record; but records aren’t what he plays for, he plays for victories and for the second consecutive week the Broncos didn’t come away with one.

Two of the main reasons why the Broncos struggled so mightily versus the Texans is due to their defense which was torched by Schaub and the Houston offense (especially during the first half) and the lack of running game. As a team Denver only managed just 59 rushing yards on 21 carries which left much of the work on Manning’s shoulders and right arm. If the Broncos want to turn their season around they must find a way to get more out of Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and the rest of their running backs.

Next week the 1-2 Broncos will face the Oakland Raiders while the 3-0 Texans look to remain undefeated versus the Tennessee Titans.