Saints vs. Texans: TV Schedule, Radio, Live Streaming, Game Time and More

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

When: Saturday, August 20, 8:00 PM EST 

Watch: NFL Network, CST/Fox 8, ABC-13/KTRK (Local) Online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for full league-wide package), 

Hear: WWL 870AM, 105.3FM & WWL.COM, SR610 AM/100.3 KILT FM/1010 AM

The New Orleans Saints travel to Houston to battle the Texans. Drew Brees vs. Matt Schaub is what makes this an intriguing match up. Yes, it is a preseason game, but all that means is tune in early for all the excitement. 

Houston is trying to prove they can be elite in the NFL and take down the mighty Indianapolis Colts. A solid performance against one of the best teams in the NFC will give them great confidence heading into the 2011 season. Their new and improved defense will be put to the test against the Saints high-powered offense. 

Saints Key Addition --- Aubrayo Franklin

The defensive tackle left the San Francisco 49ers to join a winning team in New Orleans. He's 6'1", 317 pounds and will provide a big body in the trenches for the Saints. The defensive line was one of the weak spots for the Saints a year ago, and adding Franklin strengthens the team greatly. Other key additions: running back Mark Ingram and running back Darren Sproles.

Texans key Addition --- Johnathan Joseph 

The corner back left the Cincinnati Bengals to help a dreaded Houston secondary. The Texans desperately needed to upgrade their pass defense, and adding one of the top corners on the free agent market will definitely help them. Other key additions: safety Danieal Manning and defensive end J.J. Watt. 

Saints Biggest Loss --- Reggie Bush 

Bush wasn't a terrific running back for the Saints, but he was capable of busting the big play at any moment. They did add Sproles, but he isn't the same as Bush. The return game took a hit with the departure of Bush. Another big loss was guard Jonathan Goodwin. 

Texans Biggest Loss --- Vonta Leach

The fullback that guided running back Arian Foster to great success in 2010 left to join the Baltimore Ravens. Replacing a dominant full back like Leach is not easy, and it could affect the play of Foster in 2011.

What They're Saying 

 Drew Brees answered questions from reporters on Thursday, and he said the running game will be the key to success. He's right that the run game needs to produce, but the biggest key to success for the Saints rests on the arm of Brees. He has to be the one to lead his team to victory week in and week out. 

Tight end Owen Daniels told the Houston Chronicle that the Texans have to be prepared for the fast Saints. "You gotta be ready,” tight end Owen Daniels said. “That’s one thing they do a lot is, they’ll bring people from everywhere. They’ll bring corners, safeties, backers, obviously. You just gotta be on your toes and have your eyes open"

What's Worth Watching 

 It's all about the rookies this weekend, and really throughout all of the NFL preseason. Yes, seeing Brees and Schaub light it up will be fun, but both teams have rookies that they are counting on a lot this season. The Saints need Mark Ingram to find success early in often in Week 2, as well as defensive end Cameron Jordan.

The Texans are working to improve their defense, and rookies J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris need to get great minutes tonight against a strong team. A good showing from these young players will help make Texans fans and coaching staff feel really good moving forward.

-Eric Bowman