Chiefs vs. Texans: Deshaun Watson’s MVP hopes and 8 other stories to follow
Carlos Hyde’s production
This is probably one of the most annoying things about writing this particular game preview. At this point, it looks like the Chiefs running game is finally starting to show signs of missing Kareem Hunt. After finishing 2018 on a rather strong note, the running game to start the 2019 season has been practically non-existent.
Yes, play calling has played a particularly detrimental role in that, especially in the game against the Colts. However, a strong argument could be made that the play calling was in large part due to the fact that our running backs just haven’t been producing at a consistent clip.
If you take out Mahomes rushing from the Lions game, which is fair given we’re focusing on the running backs, three out of five games the Chiefs have averaged less than four yards a carry. That’s not going to get it done when January rolls around.
To add salt to the wound, Carlos Hyde has had himself a rather nice 2019 so far. Through five games he’s outpacing every Chiefs running back, rushing the ball 73 times for 310 yards. He’s on pace to rush for 992 yards and six touchdowns, something few Chiefs coaches or fans likely envisioned after his performance this past preseason.
There are a couple huge caveats to this statistic. The Texans as a team have run the ball 14 percent more than the Chiefs. I know, shocker. When you have the reigning MVP at quarterback, it’s likely the majority of teams will run the ball more than you do.
What’s more, Hyde is receiving the lion’s share of the Texans carries out of the backfield at 57 percent. In contrast, the Chief with the most carries is LeSean McCoy and he’s only receiving 36 percent of the teams carries. Even with these caveats, Hyde is having a productive season and with the Chiefs struggles against the run he could be a problem for the defense on Sunday.
An elite receiving corps
There’s no denying the elite skills of the Houston Texans’ receiving corps. By now, ever single NFL fan has seen countless DeAndre Hopkins highlights. He’s an absolute freak and someone that defenses can’t consistently stop but can only hope to contain.
So far this season, as the opponents primary focal point on defense, Watkins has continued his All-Pro level of play catching 31 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns. He’s been relatively consistent this season and will be a massive challenge for the Chiefs defense on Sunday.
The tough part is, the Texans second option at receiver is having an even better season than Hopkins. After having a strong start to his 2018 campaign, Will Fuller succumbed to injury and missed the final nine games. However, he looks to be fully healed when you look at his performance this past Sunday.
Against the Falcons Fuller had had a career day with 14 catches, 217 yards and three touchdowns. He was an absolute force against a defense that is, on paper, better than the Chiefs defense. Unfortunately, we haven’t even talked about wide receiver Kenny Stills and tight end Jordan Akins, both of which are having good seasons of their own.
The moral of this section is this: The Texans have the best group of wide receivers the Chiefs defense has seen to this point in the season. After a brutal showing against the Lions and the Colts, Spagnuolo has his work cut out for him this week if he hopes to bounce back. Otherwise, look for this game to quickly turn into a shootout.