Saints vs. Texans: What's the Game Plan for Houston?

Offensive Game Plan

What Houston Texans game plan wouldn't work against the New Orleans Saints?

So far this season, the Saints rank 32nd in points allowed, 32nd in yards allowed, 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed, 32nd in yards per rush attempt allowed, are last in interceptions and 22nd in sacks; they're dreadful on defense.

Want to feed the ball to DeAndre Hopkins? That will probably work.

Want to pound the rock and get a struggling running game started? That will probably work.

The Texans should start with the running game early to test how efficient that part of the offense might be against New Orleans, because if they're able to move the ball well on the ground, then there's no need to take risks by passing the ball.

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

However, Hopkins does need to touch the ball often and should get around 15 targets in this game. Saints corner Brandon Browner is the worst-rated player by Pro Football Focus at his position, so the Texans shouldn't be shy about testing that matchup whenever it's available.

Basically the answer to any suggestion of a possible offensive strategy against the Saints is: "Yes, that will work."

Defensive Game Plan

Going back to a philosophy that has been mentioned several times earlier in the season on these game plan articles, in most cases teams should blitz young quarterbacks more and experienced quarterbacks less.

The game moves quickly for young quarterbacks while they try to process all the information they're seeing, like the coverage, protection and routes being run, so speeding up their clock and forcing them to make decisions even faster can cause mistakes and turnovers.

On the other side of that, veteran quarterbacks like Drew Brees, who are confident, experienced and know their offense really well, are more likely to identify where the blitz is coming from, know exactly where to go with the ball and burn teams when they bring extra rushers.

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

Brees ranks first in completion percentage, fifth in quarterback rating and fifth in yards per attempt when facing pressure this season. He has an incredible ability to slice up defenses by finding the area vacated by the extra rusher and hitting a receiver in that area.

Getting pressure with just the front four is always a good thing, but this week it could be the difference between winning or losing.

The Saints average fewer than four yards per rushing attempt, and Brees weirdly has been much better this season on traditional dropbacks compared to passes off of play action, so the Texans should focus on the pass, keep an extra defender back and trust J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney to get to Brees.

Key Matchups

Brandin Cooks vs. the Texans Secondary

Over the Saints' last four games, Cooks has averaged five receptions, five touchdowns and 84 yards per game. Those numbers may not seem that great by today's standards, but over a full season, those numbers would work out to 80 receptions, 1,344 yards and 20 touchdowns; he's been on fire recently.

Cooks leads the Saints in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this year.

Cameron Jordan vs. the Texans Offensive Line

Cameron Jordan leads the Saints in sacks with six this year—also led New Orleans in 2012 and 2013—ranks first among 4-3 defensive ends in quarterback hurries with 38 and, according to Pro Football Focus, is the highest rated player at his position this year.

R Brent Smith/Associated Press

The Texans rank 15th in sacks allowed this season but gave up three each against the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals during their win streak, so knowing where Jordan is at all times and giving help with a tight end or running back like other teams do against Watt will be crucial. 

Prediction: Texans 27, Saints 23

The Texans don't have a great offense, but everyone scores on the Saints.

New Orleans ranks 29th in defensive rating from Pro Football Focus, 32nd in points allowed per game, and three opponents have scored their season high in points against them this year; they're awful.

The Saints offense has predictably been pretty good with ranks of second in yards gained and seventh in points scored, but it'll be facing a hot Texans defense.

During its current three-game winning streak, Houston's defense has held each of its opponents to under 200 yards passing, under 100 yards rushing and to an average of just 9.6 points per game.

The offense for New Orleans and the defense for Houston have both been playing really well, so picking this game comes down to this: Which other group do you trust more?

Do you trust the Houston offense or the New Orleans defense more to make a key play to win the game?

With Hopkins, who could make the All-Pro team this year, against Browner, that matchup should play in the Texans' favor.

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