NFL: Hopkins saves Texans in OT battle

The Houston Texans have won a game in overtime for the second time in a row. In the Texas duel against the Dallas Cowboys, DeAndre Hopkins became the man of the evening, but over long distances both defenses dominated the action. A decision by Jason Garrett at the end of the game raises questions.

More than the current strengths of the teams, the duel in Texas was interesting due to the conditions in the respective division constellations: Both teams would be in the middle of the battle for the respective division title again with a victory. In addition, the questions determined how both offenses wanted to assert themselves against the strong opponent’s pass rush. Despite good protection against J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, the cowboys managed this far too rarely over long distances. The passing game was once again the big weakness.

Houston and above all Deshaun Watson (33/44, 375 YDS, TD, INT; 10 ATT, 40 YDS), however, feared huge problems due to the task against Dallas and the previous problems in the pass protection. There was no other explanation for the regularly fast escape from Watson’s Pocket. Watson, on the other hand, was quick to recognise the lightning and led Houston to a half-time lead that was only 4 points due to unfortunate play calls in the Red Zone.

The problems in the Red Zone were the determining topic, because of which the Texans did not bring the game out of reach early. With only one of six attempts there was a touchdown and five opportunities within the 3-yard line were missed. On the other hand, the cowboys used a turnover early in the second half and a total freak pass after two near sacks from Dak Prescott (18/29, 208 YDS, TD, 2 INT, 6 CAR, 34 YDS) over 44 yards to Tavon Austin to score points. In the end, the game, which was characterized by much stronger defensives, went into overtime.

The intensive encounter, in which both quarterbacks had to put up with hard hits, left its mark on many Playmakers. Both O-Lines could withstand the pressure of the opponent’s pass rush with increasing playing time more and more badly. In the overtime Ezekiel Elliott (20 CAR, 54 YDS, 7 REC, 30 YDS) and Rod Smith Dallas wore Elliott up to the 42 Houstons.

But at 4th-and-1 Jason Garrett decided to punt instead of going to first down – as in the previous week the Texans were rewarded for a questionable decision of the coach in overtime: Because there followed an absolute mad play by DeAndre Hopkins. The Wideout broke through a variety of tackles and led Houston into Field Goal range, from where they won the game and are now only one game behind Tennessee and Jacksonville.

Cowboys leading receiver Cole Beasley stands after five games at 185 receiving yards and no touchdown. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said during the week that it is a possibility, but not the priority, to bring Dez Bryant back into the team. The value of a genuine number 1 receiver was presented today.

If anyone has wondered why this man is an elite receiver, then this game is the best example. Hopkins not only had 9 Receptions for 151 Yards and he not only did this in insanely important situations of the game, but also did this against flawless coverage by Byron Jones. Although Nuk wasn’t rewarded with a touchdown, his reception over 49 yards, when he ran a good 40 of them after the catch and made several defenders look old with two spectacular spins moves, will be remembered for much longer anyway. On top of that he brought the Texans decisively into the Field Goal realm, and on top of that he fended off the cowboys’ Hail Mary attempt at the end of the regular playing time.

With the best paid offensive line in football at the opposing 42-yard line in overtime, the decision at 4th-and-1 not to go was simply too discouraged. The Cowboys had after the first quarter quite success with the Run Game and also Prescott’s Scrambles were successful again and again. Even if it hadn’t worked out, the Texans would have had a long way to go against an excellent Dallas defense and a visibly battered Watson. This finally cost Dallas the game.