Bill O'Brien to Resume Calling Texans' Offensive Plays

With the Houston Texans offense struggling through three games this season, head coach Bill O'Brien will try to provide a spark by taking over the play-calling duties.

Per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, O'Brien will take over the play calls from offensive coordinator George Godsey for the first time since 2014.  

Despite getting off to a 2-1 start, things look bleak for the Texans right now. They were shut out 27-0 against the New England Patriots, who were playing with rookie and third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett, in Week 3. 

Earlier this week, O'Brien refused to discuss his team's performance in the New England game and was only focused on the Texans' Week 4 game against the Tennessee Titans. 

"We've put New England in the rearview mirror," O'Brien said Monday, per McClain. "Everybody's got to do a better job. I'm not going to talk about New England."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. McClain added the procedure was season-ending. 

With Watt on the shelf, the spotlight is going to shine brighter on quarterback Brock Osweiler. After making the playoffs last year with a revolving door at quarterback, the Texans signed Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract in the offseason. 

Things have not gone well for Osweiler through three games. He is completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 695 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions. 

The Texans rank 24th in total offense and are tied with the Titans for last in the NFL with 14 points per game, per ESPN.com. 

O'Brien does have an extensive resume as an offensive coach, including serving as the Patriots offensive coordinator in 2011, and the Texans finished 14th in scoring with him calling plays two years ago. 

Playing in the AFC South gives the Texans a lot of leeway. They don't look like a juggernaut right now, but their division is so bad, they still sit in first place with a winnable game at home Sunday, which could allow the team to get its confidence back after looking unprepared on both sides of the ball in Week 3.