After losing the season opener to the Saints, the Houston Texans have recovered with back to back wins over Jacksonville and the Los Angeles Chargers. They can extend that winning streak to three with a win over Carolina this afternoon at NRG Stadium.
The Panthers come in as a different team than they were expecting to be. Cam Newton is injured. Former Aggie and Cougar Kyle Allen has taken over as the starting quarterback. Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt says Allen has proven he can play in the NFL.
"He was accurate. He did a good job. It will be a challenge for us this week," Watt said on Wednesday, adding that the Panthers may not have Newton, but they do have star running back Christian McCaffrey.
"They try to get him the ball every chance they can. He's a major key to their offense and a very good player. He's very difficult to stop," Watt stated.
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is coming off a performance against the Chargers that won him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. Watson says he's had a lot of help from his receivers.
"Whoever has the ball in their hands can make something happen," Watson said about the offense.
Kickoff this afternoon is at Noon.