Despite 4 turnovers, Texans defense's pursuit of NFL history takes a hit on Monday night
After each of the last two wins that the Houston Texans notched over the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, I've written about how the Texans defense was on pace to make modern NFL history. Over the last 25 years, only six teams have held their opponents to fewer than 13 points per game in the regular season. Following their Week 4 and Week 5 W's, Houston was on pace to become the 7th team to join that group.
But this pursuit of history took a hit on Monday night in a 27-19 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Now, as Week 7 is officially in the books, it's time to take another look at how close the Texans defense is to joining this illustrious and exclusive group.
So yes, for the time being, the Texans have had their membership card for the Under 13 Club revoked, but it's important to note one key takeaway in the aftermath of their Monday Night Football loss... it's really tough to put the burden of blame on the shoulders of the Texans defense, despite allowing a season-high in points to the Seahawks.
Texans defense held strong for much of the night versus Seahawks
So while admittedly, 27 points on the scoreboard doesn't look great for Houston's, it's important to understand the context
In total, Seattle had five scoring drives -- three touchdowns, two field goals. On two of Seattle's three drives that ended with a touchdown, the Seahawks offense needed to move the ball only 44 and 39 yards down the field following a Texans punt and a turnover on downs. Seattle's third touchdown drive, which came early in the 1st quater, went 80 yards over the course of 10 plays.
On the two drives that Seattle came away with field goals, they needed to accumulate just 31 yards and 33 yards to get into range for Jason Myers.
It's also important to remember these impressive statistics... one of Houston's two touchdowns came directly by the defense, as Will Anderson Jr. hit the triple crown on one play midway through the 3rd quarter, coming up with a sack, a strip and a fumble recovery in the end zone to cut Seattle's lead to 17-12. Houston's other touchdown drive came after the Texans forced a three and out late in the 4th quarter.
In total, Houston's defense forced four turnovers, forced Sam Darnold into his worst passer rating of the season (73.7) and limited Seattle's ground attack to under 4 yards per carry.
Mike Tomlin Delivers Huge News On Calvin Austin III Return
The Pittsburgh Steelers may receive a massive boost to their offense ahead of Week 8's Sunday Night Football game vs. the Green Bay Packers — as HC Mike Tomlin provided some promising news on the return of Calvin Austin III.
On Tuesday, Tomlin shared a health update on Austin — who’s missed two games with a shoulder injury he suffered vs. the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 — claiming the lightning-fast receiver could return against the Packers on Sunday night.
"Calvin Austin is scheduled to work this week," Tomlin told reporters. "We'll let his participation and the quality of that participation be our guide in terms of his availability. As we stand here today, we're optimistic — and I know certainly he's optimistic about his ability to be included."
Back in Week 4 during the Steelers' Ireland game, reports of Austin being hospitalized for his shoulder injury left the Steel City in a frenzy, but Pittsburgh appears to be on the verge of getting one of its top playmakers back on offense — just in time for an important prime-time game vs. the Packers on October 26 at 8:20 p.m. EDT.
