Pro Football Focus Grades The Texans In Their Victory Over The Jaguars

Pro Football Focus has their grades out for various Texans from Sunday's win in Jacksonville. As always, you may find that you disagree with their assessment, but PFF may also point out a thing or two you had not considered when you watched the game live. For example, while you surely walked away at the end of the game pleased with the performances of Brian Hoyer and DeAndre Hopkins, did you believe that Chris Clark was the best offensive lineman on the field?

I know I didn't. Thus, I think there's value in these reviews, if for nothing else than in bringing attention to a player or players I didn't initially focus on. Enjoy.

Offense:

• Brian Hoyer posted the best game by a Houston quarterback this year with a +3.5 overall rating.

• Arian Foster made an impact in the passing game with a +2.4 pass rating, but struggled rushing with a -2.2 rushing rating.

• Houston’s right side of the offensive line paved the way again as right tackle Chris Clark (+5.8 overall rating, +4.7 run block) was Houston’s highest rated offensive player, while right guard Derek Newton (+3.0 overall, +2.7 run block) performed well.

• DeAndre Hopkins continued his impressive numbers, hauling in 10-of-15 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns, along with his best grade of the year (+3.7). He leads the league with 727 receiving yards and is our fifth-overall rated wide receiver (+9.4).

Defense:

• After posting his worst rating since 2011, J.J. Watt responded by posting a +7.1 overall rating, including a +7.2 pass rush rating that included three QB hits, eight QB hurries and three stops.

• Johnathan Joseph was Houston’s best coverage man, posting a +1.7 pass coverage and +1.9 overall.

• Safeties Eddie Pleasant (-1.7 overall, 22 snaps) and Lonnie Ballentine (-1.2 overall, 25 snaps) were Houston’s lowest-rated defenders, while Andre Hal performed well with a +1.0 overall on his 80 snaps.

• Whitney Mercilus filled in well for Jadeveon Clowney with a +0.6 overall rating (+1.1 run defense), with two sacks, three QB hurries and three stops.

Special Teams:

• After having good weeks, punter Shane Lechler (-1.0 overall rating) and kicker Nick Novak (-0.4 overall rating) both finished with negative grades.

Signature Stats:

• Brian Hoyer has used play action on 27.3 percent of his dropbacks, the fourth-most amongst quarterbacks with a minimum of 50 percent of their team’s plays. He’s completed 23-of-36 for 373 yards and 10.4 yards per attempt this season.

Texans vs Jaguars coverage