The nightmare we have been waiting for is about to ensue. After months languishing at the bottom of Texans’ front office decisions, franchise quarterback trade requests, sexual assault allegations, and a non-playable character carousel, actual NFL football is set to begin. Houston and Green Bay are kicking off each team’s first preseason game of the season.
Last time these teams met, Green Bay beat Houston 35-20 in a game made closer than it looked thanks to some fourth quarter garbage. DaVante Adams was impossible for any Houston defensive back to cover; he and Aaron Rodgers shredded Houston into shrapnel.
Tonight the Texans don’t have to worry about Rodgers. It will instead be last year’s first round quarterback, Jordan Love, taking the reigns against Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills. Oh, and how can anyone forget? Jeff Driskel.
Houston won’t have Deshaun Watson, who isn’t making the trip. Not will they have Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard, who are on the COVID-19 reserve list. Get ready for some hot and wet Charlie Heck action.
For the Texans, with a roster still liquid, the preseason is probably more interesting than the regular season. There are dozens of things to watch. How Houston’s rookies perform, what the new 4-3 linebacker group looks like with Zach Cunningham back at weakside linebacker, Houston’s passing down pass rush, who replaces Bradley Roby and will probably replace him come Week One, what a David Culley offense looks like, if the Cover Two is archaic, Lonnie Johnson starting at strong safety, Ross Blacklock playing in a scheme that better suits his style, the tight end unit, Kahale Warring’s biceps, how the running backs share the workload, possession vertical passes to Nico Collins, and who returns the kicks.
All of this and so much more will be here for you this evening. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. central.