Texans vs. Saints: 5 Halftime Adjustments Houston Must Make

Today’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints could prove to be a pivotal game for the Houston Texans as they are trying to go 3-0 for the first time in their short history.

Lets take a look at five adjustments the Texans must make if they want to come out of New Orleans with the win.

1. Capitalize on Early Downs

The Texans need to take better advantage on early downs so they are not left with long third down conversion attempts. Although throughout the first half the Texans have been efficient, they cannot depend on always converting long third downs.

2. Give Johnson Space to Create

Obviously the Texans offense heavily relies on WR Andre Johnson. In the second half, Houston should look to give him room to create with the ball in his hands. This can be done by running screens or reverses which would allow him to use his athleticism to gain big yards.

3. Stop the Big Play/Sproles

Houston needs to stop the big play. New Orleans has a lot of explosive talent that is capable for a huge gain at any time. The Texans' secondary needs to keep an eye on players like Sproles and Henderson and contain them from breaking off explosive plays.

4. Look for Daniels on Play-Action

Play-action has been working wonders for the Texans in the first half. Houston needs to mix up their play call to keep the Saints guessing. Schaub should keep looking for TE Owen Daniels over the middle for easy gains.

5. Finish in the Red Zone

The Texans need to finish their long drives with touchdowns. They have already had to settle for field goals on three long drives. Their inability to score touchdowns in the red zone could come back to haunt them in the second half.

Brees' Saints will look to put up big numbers in the second half and Houston's field goals may no longer cut it.