Saints overcome Texans in MNF Thriller
By Alex Williams
Clutch Lutz kicks winner after Watson shows MVP form
Two high powered offenses clashed on Monday night. The Saints and Texans exchanged blows right down to the wire in what was easily the game of the weekend.
Breaking down the stats
As what was expected, it was a fruitful night for both offensive units. Via the air and ground, both teams marched up and down the field with regularity.
638. The combined passing yards of Brees and Watson who went 32/43 – 370 – 2 TD and 20/30 – 268 – 3 TD. Both quarterbacks looked in fine fettle and were both picked off only once. There was no surprise who the recipients were as Hopkins and Thomas were both targeted heavily.
6. The Texans invested heavily in protecting their quarterback this off-season, yet the first game didn’t go as planned. Even with new blindside blocker Laremy Tunsil, the Saints were still able to sack Watson 6 times.
0. The number of times you will see J.J. Watt’s name on the stats sheet. This was the first time in Watts illustrious career where he didn’t record a tackle, sack or even QB hit. And there was me thinking it was Jadeveon Clowney who had vacated the team.
Spotlight On; Deshaun Watson
The Saints came away victorious, but this was Watsons game. The Texans quarterback was under constant duress throughout the first half. He was hit multiple times and was seen in the medical tent twice. Led by Cam Jordan, the Saints defensive front came at number 4 with heavy pressure, sacking him 6 times on the night.
The second half was much more productive for Watson and he came out showing presence and poise in the pocket. DeAndre Hopkins played like, well, DeAndre Hopkins and the two were in fully sync mode down the stretch.
The clip below shows Watson’s great ability to stay composed in the pocket, slide and throw pinpoint accurate passes downfield. In his own end zone, no less.
Alex Williams
NFL ANAYLST