HOUSTON – The Texans lost two of their defensive stalwarts during Sunday night's loss to the Chiefs, but the season is far from over.
Here are a few things Houston should keep in mind after the season-ending innjuries to J.J. Watt and Whiteney Mercilus.
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Others must step up:
The Texans will need DL/LB Jadeveon Clowney to step up in a big way. Brennan Scarlett and Ufomba Kamalu are the other outside linebackers listed on the Texans unofficial depth chart right now. The only player listed as Watt's backup is Carlos Watkins, a rookie drafted in the fourth round out of Clemson.
Defense needs to tighten up:
Without Watt and Mercilus, Houston will need to tighten up its defense. Even with the duo, in three games this season the Texans gave up 29, 36 and 42 points. The offense has done its part in the last three games, scoring 33, 57 and 34 points.
Maintain focus:
Just because Watt and Mercilus aren't playing doesn't mean the Texans will lose. Houston takes its 2-3 record into a Week 6 matchup against the winless Browns. Houston also has two games remaining on its schedule against the Colts, one against the Cardinals and one against the 49ers. Cleveland, Indianapolis, Arizona and San Francisco have a combined 4-16 record so far this season.
