Originally published by John McClain.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick
One good thing about being a 10-year veteran is being able to put an awful performance behind you. Fitzpatrick was 6-of-14 for 55 yards and two interceptions with a 14.6 rating against Arizona. That’s not indicative of the kind of quarterback he’s been. He needs to bounce back against the Falcons. It’ll be interesting to see what coach Bill O’Brien, who calls the plays, has prepared for Fitzpatrick and how long he’ll play again. It’s imperative to build consistency when the Texans have the ball and then to finish drives to build confidence in Fitzpatrick’s new teammates and coaches.
Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney
He flashed in his debut, playing the run well, getting after the passer and impacting his side of the field except when he was forced to drop into coverage. It’s hard to imagine defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel asking a player with his pass rush skills to go backward very often in regular season. Crennel won’t call anything exotic for preseason. He’ll keep it simple. The coaches want to see Clowney improve each week and develop consistency. The idea is to not make him think too much, just react instinctively and get the quarterback.
Running back Alfred Blue
In his first appearance with the Texans, the sixth-round pick averaged 6 yards a carry – the same average he compiled at LSU. As the first back off the bench at Arizona, he ran for 30 yards on five carries. He caught two passes for 14 yards and dropped one. At 6-2, 223, he’s got good size and speed. He’s improved since he arrived for the offseason program. He’s very smooth, very fluid. He looks like a natural runner, showing some instincts. He wants to get better. He has to improve pass protection. He can be productive as a receiver out of the backfield if they need to use him in that capacity.
Inside linebacker Justin Tuggle
He might be the most excited player on the Texans’ roster about playing against the Falcons. Why? Because he grew up in Atlanta, where his father, linebacker Jessie Tuggle, was one of the best and most popular players in Falcons’ history. Tuggle made the Texans as an undrafted free agent last year and learned inside and outside linebacker. He was a productive special teams player. Now he starts on the inside and has a chance to keep the job when Brian Cushing returns to the lineup. Tuggle is smart, has a good work ethic, is extremely coachable and will get a lot of attention from Atlanta media tonight.
Nose tackle Louis Nix III
He returned to practice this week for the first time since OTAs and could make his debut tonight. Nix had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery before training camp. Because it wasn’t a serious operation, the Texans weren’t in the market for a veteran. They expect him to compete for a starting job. They traded into the third round to get Nix (6-2, 331), who has the ideal build for a 3-4 nose tackle who’s supposed to tie up two blockers. That position requires quickness, leverage, strength and willpower. If Nix stays healthy and keeps his weight under control, he can be an ideal fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme.
Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.
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