Buccaneers defense could feast with key Texans player out
On Tuesday, news broke that Houston Texans starting center Jake Andrews will be out for the foreseeable future due to a high ankle sprain he suffered during the team's Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
This is significant news — not just for the Texans, but the Buccaneers as well, who are set to face off against Houston at NRG Stadium on Monday Night Football next week.
No excuses for Todd Bowles' defense on Monday Night Football
Andrews' loss isn't just significant for this game simply because he's a starter lost to injury along their offensive line. It's significant because the Texans' OL is a major weakness to begin with. In Week 1, the Texans were only able to put up 9 points during their 14-9 loss to the Rams. There's no question that a lack of consistent protection (and time) for quarterback C.J. Stroud was a primary reason for the team's lack of production on that side of the ball.
Not only did the Texans make the difficult decision to trade their franchise LT Laramy Tunsil to the Commanders during the offseason, but his replacement, Cam Robinson — who they just signed to a 1-year $12 million contract back in March — lost his starting job in training camp to rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery, who they drafted in the second round out of Minnesota.
Aside from 33-year-old LG Laken Tomlinson, the Texans' OL unit lacks pedigree at nearly every spot. Despite his experience, Tomlinson produced a putrid 38.8 pass blocking grade and a 55.0 run blocking grade vs. the Rams, according to Pro Football Focus, which was the 8th worst mark out of all 65 guards that were evaluated in Week 1.
Bucs D-Line is poised to break out vs. the Texans
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already showed us in Atlanta that they should be considered one of the best run-defending groups in the entire league. That said, they are hoping to take a major step forward in the pass-rushing department this year.
One encouraging sign is the fact that free agent acquisition Haason Reddick showed that he's still got the goods. Reddick recorded seven pressures in his Buccaneers debut as well as a 22.6% pressure rate, which was the second-highest mark by any defender with 30+ pass rushes. He also produced the team's lone sack in the ball game.
Although Yaya Diaby wasn't able to secure a sack of his own vs. Atlanta, he came close. And even if that's been the story of his promising young career so far, there's plenty of optimism based on his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks who are protected by offensive lines that are far more competent than what he'll face on Monday night in Houston.
Calijah Kancey, who is healthy to start the season for the first time in his career, is another player to watch in this matchup. His stout frame and elite quickness make him a matchup nightmare along the interior, especially paired next to Vita Vea.
Based on the talent the Buccaneers have along their defensive line and the lack of talent they'll be facing next week, it's safe to assume that Todd Bowles' group will be able to disrupt the pocket and get to C.J. Stroud when these two teams face off in prime time next Monday.
Cam Ward’s Arrival Won’t Patch Titans’ Cracks
The Tennessee Titans found themselves at the bottom of the NFL in passing offense following the conclusion of all Week 1 games, with 62 yards passing. Cam Ward finished his NFL debut with 112 yards on 12-28 passing, a 7.4 QBR, and was sacked six times for a loss of 50 yards against a stingy Denver Broncos defense.
However, the rookie quarterback showed flashes of why he was taken first in the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically his completion to running back Tony Pollard on the game's opening drive. On his first career pass attempt on 3rd & 10, he escaped pressure and avoided a sack when he noticed Pollard at his check down point at the last second for a 29-yard gain.
Unfortunately, that was his longest completion of the game as Ward was failed by those around him. He had some rookie blunders too, like taking unnecessary sacks in scoring situations, but his opening game will be remembered by the lack of plays made by the wide receiver group.
Titans pass catchers need to maximize their opportunities
Pollard led the Titans in receiving on Sunday via that third-down play on the opening drive. The usually reliable Calvin Ridley had a forgettable day with 27 yards on four receptions, including three dropped passes. The Titans' rookies showed glimpses of potential, but Elic Ayomanor was robbed of an additional 20 yards after Brian Callahan failed to challenge an incomplete catch that appeared to be completed by Ayomanor.
Also, rookie tight end Gunnar Helm slightly bobbled his first target while stepping out of bounds on Tennessee's opening possession, which would've given him an additional 17 yards. The Titans have ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in passing yards each of the last four seasons, and are already trending to be in the same position again this season.
There is a lot of blame to go around following their Week 1 performance, which has plenty of fans salty about the outcome. The pass-catching room has to be at the top of the list after having a day full of missed opportunities to secure a winnable game for a franchise trying to reverse its losing ways of the last three seasons.
Their schedule doesn't get easier with the Los Angeles Rams coming to Nashville this Sunday after limiting the Houston Texans to 151 yards passing, including two sacks and an interception. If the Titans want to become a winning franchise again, they must figure out their passing game issues.
