PFF Week 1 Grades HOU vs CHI

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

Houston Texans 23, Chicago Bears 14

Here are the biggest takeaways and highest-graded players from the Houston Texans’ 23-14 season-opening victory over the Chicago Bears.

Quarterback grade: Brock Osweiler, 84.5

Osweiler takes a big first step

This was the moment Brock Osweiler had been waiting for as the unquestioned starting quarterback of an NFL team, and he didn’t disappoint. Osweiler was very effective in the short and intermediate ranges of the field, completing 18 of 25 passes targeted between 0-19 yards downfield.

Top offensive grades:

RT Derek Newton, 83.9

WR Will Fuller, 77.2

WR DeAndre Hopkins, 76.6

FB Jay Prosch, 74.4

C Greg Mancz, 73.9

Fuller has a very strong debut

Rookie wide receiver Will Fuller was drafted to bring a deep speed element to the Texans’ offense, and he did just that in his first NFL game. Fuller was targeted six times with throws 20 or more yards downfield, and he led the Texans in targets, catches and yards in his first game. He also took a screen pass to the house, showcasing his speed and open-field running ability.

Top defensive grades:

LB Max Bullough, 81.5

ED Whitney Mercilus, 79.4

CB Johnathan Joseph, 78.8

CB A.J. Bouye, 78.0

LB Benardrick McKinney 77.4

Linebackers help lead the Texans to victory

OLB Whitney Mercilus had two sacks and two hurries on 29 pass rushes against the Bears. Sadly, linebacker Brian Cushing is lost for some time with a knee injury, but ILB Max Bullough played very well in his place and had three defensive stops.


https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-bears-texans-grades/

 

[The Pencil Neck]

I was pleasantly surprised by Bullough, but I'm worried that he's going to get exposed and exploited once people get some tape on him.

 

[Rich Schmidt]

Bullough is a do your job kind of guy, not big chances etc. Tape on JD scared me early as he took violent moves sometimes leaving gaps, I think if Max stays healthy we are ok. He is not the most physical guy, but knows his role and seems to get the boys lined up so here is to my hoping this does not get any worse

 

[TheRealJoker]

Between Bullough and Peters that 2nd ILB spot will be fine until Cush gets back.

 

[PapaL]

Any idea what JJ's score was? Curious since he's usually astonomically better than anyone else.

 

[ObsiWan]

Interesting that there was no mention of Simon. I thought he had a pretty good game too.

 

[JamTex]

Good stuff.

 

[Brandon420tx]

Over the last few years for PFF, the amount of info and analysis has dropped considerably. It makes me a little sad

 

[HOU-TEX]

Don't care much for grades, but I didn't think D-Hop was on his game yesterday. I'd say he makes that catch in the end zone 9 out of 10 times. I'd even go on to say he normally would've won the battle that ended in a pick. I think there were 1-2 more that he'd normally reel in.