Three Key Texans Players Sidelined Ahead Of Key AFC Matchup With Browns
It’s no longer possible for the Browns to clinch a playoff berth against the Texans today. That doesn’t mean this game doesn’t still carry some major implications for Cleveland’s postseason dreams moving into the final weeks games of the regular season.
With C.J. Stroud ruled out for this one due to a concussion sustained several weeks back this is a matchup that doesn’t feel quite as daunting as it once did. Still, the Texans are no push over, despite their status as young team looking to rebuild. They have exceeded expectation to get to 8-6 so far this year. Of their six losses, three of them were by a single possession. Oh and like the Browns, they remain right in the thick of the AFC Playoff Race.
This game is crucial for both teams and even without Stroud, Cleveland knows what to expect from veteran backup Case Keenum. Here are three key stats that tell the story of the 2023 Houston Texans ahead of their matchup with the Browns.
A lot about this season has been surprising for Houston. They were supposed to be a rebuilding team dealing with plenty of growing pains under a first-year head coach. Instead, they’re right in the thick of the AFC Playoff race and have found their franchise QB in Stroud. It’s paid major dividends to Houston’s offense, which is second in the NFL in explosive plays this season with 39. Those are plays of 25-plus yards and only the 49ers have more.
Now, those numbers have taken a dip with Stroud out of the lineup due to a concussion. They only had one such play against the Jets two weeks back before Stroud left the game. Stroud also provided a pass of 23 yards in that game before leaving. This past week with Keenum under center full time the Texans only hit for one explosive play as well a deep pass to running back Devin Singletary that went for 41 yards. Keenum also completed passes of 20 and 22 yards as well so the big play potential is still there without Stroud because of the offensive talent surrounding the QB position. The Browns defense has to be ready to limit the big hitting plays if they’re going to get out of Houston with a win.
Over the last three weeks, Houston boasts one of the stingiest third down defenses in the NFL. The likes of the Broncos, Jets and Titans converted only 26.8-percent of their third downs during that span. For context, the Browns defensive third down conversion percentage is 28.34 for the season.
If you go back even further over the last eight weeks event, Houston has still only allowed their opponents to convert on 33-percent of their third down attempts. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s offense has struggled this season on third down this season, converting just 31-percent of the time, including just 30-percent over the last three games. Getting off the field has been a pretty important element of the Texans defense this season.
With the Texans going to more of a zone running scheme this season, Dameon Pierce has faded into the background of their run game and Devin Singletary has emerged as the top bell cow out of the backfield.
Last week, Singletary racked up 26 carries in the Texans overtime win over Tennessee. It’s the third time this season he’s gone over 20 carries this season, and the second time he’s had 25 or more. He also broke off 121 yards on the ground a week ago, marking the third time he’s gone for over 100 yards rushing this season. In the last six games, Singletary has averaged 4.5 yards per carry in all but one contest. His overall average yards per carry over that span is 4.7 yards per carry. He is a threat that the Browns must account for.
