A 28-3 loss in preseason is not a cause for concern. Perhaps special teams errors, blown coverages, or big turnovers exaggerated the score.
However, the Houston Texans’ 25-point defeat to the Miami Dolphins had an element all too common among their 3-13-1 finish last year: missed tackles.
Coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Aug. 21 how the Texans would address the issue in their final week of practice before their preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 27.
“With the tackling, with the run fits, it starts in walkthrough, and it starts just being attentive to the details of your job,” said Ryans. “And then with the tackling, we have to put them in as close to a live tackling session as possible. Most of the time with tackling, it’s just about taking the proper angle and putting your body exactly where it’s supposed to be, and that can improve. We’ll emphasize that this week and see where our guys can get better.”
The Dolphins generated 205 yards on the ground as part of their 398 yards total offense. Considering the Texans gave up the most rushing yards per game last year at 170.2 and also surrendered the fourth-most rushing yards per game at 5.1, the loss to Miami was an unpleasant reminder for fans in the preseason home opener.
The Texans kickoff at 7:00 p.m. Central Time from Caesars Superdome Sunday.
