The Houston Texans could be 2-0.
Instead the reality is the AFC South club is 0-1-1 following their 20-20 tie with the Indianapolis Colts on Opening Day and a 16-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Even though the Texans technically are “winners” thanks to their .250 winning percentage, the satisfaction of being the victors on the scoreboard has eluded them through the first two weeks of the regular season.
Receiver Brandin Cooks has been a part of winning teams throughout his nine-year NFL career with some having hot starts to the season. Just as true as the Texans are 0-1-1, they could easily be 2-0.
Cooks’ message to the team is one he doesn’t tell himself on a daily basis.
“It come down to your best players playing great and playing the best,” Cooks told reporters Sept. 21. “I talk about myself when I say that and every man has to look in the mirror and ask themselves that. That’s my message because in the name of the game, in those tight scores or whatever the case might be, who’s going to take you over the edge is typically going to be your best guy.”
Cooks has caught 11 passes for 136 yards on 22 targets through the first two games of the regular season. His work hasn’t been good enough to win close ballgames, but his work ethic is one that will endeavor to ensure it pays off.
Said Cooks: “We quite frankly haven’t done that yet and I take some of that. I got that mentality to get back to work and keep pushing to be able to turn those tight scores into wins.”
Houston takes on the 1-1 Chicago Bears Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from Soldier Field. After two weeks of inconsistency, both clubs will be looking to make a statement on the direction of their team in Week 3.
