Houston Texans: 3 Standouts from Week 1 vs. Saints

At the Superdome on Monday evening, the Houston Texans lost a heartbreaker to the Saints. Who were the team’s bright spots?

Followers of Bill O’Brien’s team don’t have to be reminded that a year ago, the Houston Texans became just the sixth team in NFL history to overcome a 0-3 start and make the playoffs. But that doesn’t mean the club wants to experience a little déjà vu.

Of course, one heartbreaking loss does not a season make. In arguably the most entertaining game of the first week of the 2019 NFL season, Deshaun Watson and company did their best against the reigning NFC South champions at the Superdome.

Houston owned a two-point lead with 37 seconds to play. But the Texans were done in by Drew Brees and a 58-yard field goal by Saints’ kicker Wil Lutz at the gun in a 30-28 setback.

O’Brien’s team certainly made its share of big plays along the way. And when the club surged ahead late in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Texans had gotten the break of the game. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn’s PAT after Deshaun Watson’s 37-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Kenny Stills went wide right. But there was a roughing call on the Saints and a second attempt went through.

Then came Brees’ and Lutz’s heroics and O’Brien’s club was suddenly 0-1 instead of 1-0.

While a loss is never easy to deal with, there were numerous bright spots for the defending AFC South champions.