Four things to watch
PICK UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF
Quarterback Brock Osweiler was outstanding on the Texans? last three drives of regulation and overtime in the 26-23 overtime victory over Indianapolis. He was 13-of-15 for 166 yards and two touchdowns on those possessions. He also received excellent blocking from his offensive line. Osweiler needs to pick up against a terrific Denver defense where he left off against the Colts for the Texans to put themselves in position to win their first road game after losses at New England and Minnesota.
MUST PROTECT OSWEILER
The Broncos lead the NFL with 21 sacks, including 7 ? by outside linebacker Von Miller. Osweiler has been hit 43 times, but he?s done a good job of getting rid of the ball because he?s been sacked 12 times, tying the Texans for 12th. The pass blockers, including the tight ends, must give him a clean pocket. He won?t have long to throw because of Denver?s ferocious pass rush that helped them win Super Bowl 51, so he must make good decisions, get rid of the ball fast and be accurate.
CAN?T WILT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
In their two road defeats, the Texans wilted under the pressure of playing at Gillette Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. They were beaten before the opening kickoff. They weren?t competitive at any point in either game. Coach Bill O?Brien has to find a way to get his players to settle down and play at Sports Authority Field at Mile High the way they do at home. They can?t fall behind early, panic, let the crowd noise get to them and lose decisively to the Broncos.
CAN?T WILT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
In their two road defeats, the Texans wilted under the pressure of playing at Gillette Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. They were beaten before the opening kickoff. They weren?t competitive at any point in either game. Coach Bill O?Brien has to find a way to get his players to settle down and play at Sports Authority Field at Mile High the way they do at home. They can?t fall behind early, panic, let the crowd noise get to them and lose decisively to the Broncos.
PICK UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF
Quarterback Brock Osweiler was outstanding on the Texans? last three drives of regulation and overtime in the 26-23 overtime victory over Indianapolis. He was 13-of-15 for 166 yards and two touchdowns on those possessions. He also received excellent blocking from his offensive line. Osweiler needs to pick up against a terrific Denver defense where he left off against the Colts for the Texans to put themselves in position to win their first road game after losses at New England and Minnesota.
MUST PROTECT OSWEILER
The Broncos lead the NFL with 21 sacks, including 7 ? by outside linebacker Von Miller. Osweiler has been hit 43 times, but he?s done a good job of getting rid of the ball because he?s been sacked 12 times, tying the Texans for 12th. The pass blockers, including the tight ends, must give him a clean pocket. He won?t have long to throw because of Denver?s ferocious pass rush that helped them win Super Bowl 51, so he must make good decisions, get rid of the ball fast and be accurate.
CAN?T WILT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
In their two road defeats, the Texans wilted under the pressure of playing at Gillette Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. They were beaten before the opening kickoff. They weren?t competitive at any point in either game. Coach Bill O?Brien has to find a way to get his players to settle down and play at Sports Authority Field at Mile High the way they do at home. They can?t fall behind early, panic, let the crowd noise get to them and lose decisively to the Broncos.
CAN?T WILT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
In their two road defeats, the Texans wilted under the pressure of playing at Gillette Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. They were beaten before the opening kickoff. They weren?t competitive at any point in either game. Coach Bill O?Brien has to find a way to get his players to settle down and play at Sports Authority Field at Mile High the way they do at home. They can?t fall behind early, panic, let the crowd noise get to them and lose decisively to the Broncos.
