McClain: The surest ways for Texans to beat Chiefs
John McClain , Houston Chronicle Jan. 9, 2020
Thursday's takeaways from the Texans’ locker room as they prepare for Sunday’s divisional playoff game at Kansas City:
Fool-proof formulas
Everyone asks what the Texans need to do to beat the Chiefs? The best way is simple: Don’t commit turnovers. This season, they were 3-0 when didn’t give away the ball. Since Bill O’Brien became the head coach, they have a 17-1 record when they don’t commit a turnover.
Now, here’s the second-best way: The Texans are 5-0 this season when they allow fewer than two sacks. Since 2015, they’re 25-9 when they surrender one or no sacks.
Texans notoriously slow starters
The Texans scored only 47 points during the first quarter this season. Only four teams scored fewer points. Conversely, the Chiefs are fast starters. The Texans have been outscored 75-47 during the first quarter. Kansas City has a 90-37 advantage.
Typically, the Texans fell behind Buffalo 7-0 in the first quarter and trailed 16-0 midway through the third quarter when they began their comeback before winning 22-19 in overtime. In the their 31-24 victory this season at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs scored first and led 17-3 in the second quarter before the Texans began their comeback.
“We’re continuing to try to make sure our guys are as prepared as possible for that first drive and things they may see,” Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “We’ve got to do a good job of coaching them throughout the week, and they’ve got to do a good job of executing.”
Teams have big-play threats
Even though Will Fuller, their best deep threat, missed five games during the regular season, the Texans still finished tied for third in catches of at least 30 yards. They had 27, tied with Dallas behind Kansas City (32) and Tampa Bay (31).
If Fuller had been able to stay healthy, Deshaun Watson might have completed the most 30-plus passes. Fuller had nine, tying him for seventh in the NFL. Imagine how many he could have caught if hadn’t missed so much time with hamstring and groin injuries, including the wild card overtime victory over Buffalo.
The Texans are hoping Fuller can return against the Chiefs and give them an added dimension to their passing game.
Dramatic turnaround for Chiefs' defense
During their six-game winning streak to close the season, the Chiefs played tremendous defense. They allowed only 11.6 points a game, down from 23.9 over the first 10 games. They gave up 31 points to the Texans the first time they played. It was one of only two times the Texans scored at least 30 points this season.
“They’re physical up front,” offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said about Kansas City’s defense. “They’ve got guys on the back end who can cover. They’re making plays when they come their way. They’re playing at a high level right now.”
Texans know Mahomes' strengths
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