Colts vs Texans: Q&A with Toro Times
By Evan Reller
Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates his touchdown catch with wide receiver Cecil Shorts (18) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beat Houston 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
4. Can the Texans expect anything from a receiver not named DeAndre Hopkins? He’s easily one of the better receivers in the NFL, but there is such a large gap between him and the next guy on the depth chart. Do you expect Nate Washington or Cecil Shorts at this point?
"I expect the team to use Shorts in his role as a wildcat quarterback, which was pretty successful against the Jets, which was the last time Brian Hoyer missed a game. Shorts had 26 yards rushing and a 21-yard touchdown pass. He also helped clear the way for Grimes, who had a good game as well, by keeping the defense off balance. As a receiver, Washington can disappear from time-to-time, but he averages around 15 yards per catch this season. That means when he does make a play, it’s usually a good one. So, hopefully each can help in their own way, even if Shorts does it in a different way."
My take:
Washington averaging 15 yards tells me the team likes to take deep shots, which means the pass rush will be important to keep them in check. If the Texans want to go full wild cat, let them. Over reliance on the run is a great way to waste clock but not win games.
Both Shorts and Washington have been inconsistent this year, but so has the quarterbacking. They’ve started three different QBs this season, and the success has been mediocre. Without consistency at quarterback, its going to hurt all the receivers numbers.
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