Spying the AFC South: August 25, 2013

Houston Texans 23, New Orleans Saints 31

Aug 25, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

This battle featured two undefeated teams (2-0). The Houston Texans jumped out to a 10-0 lead and held advantages in many different statistical categories. The Texans out-gained the New Orleans Saints in total yardage, 496-380. They won the first-down battle, 30-19. They owned time-of-possession, 34:26 to 25:34. Despite not having Arian Foster, the Texans received a solid performance from Ben Tate. Tate had 11 carries for 74 yards with a 39-yard run. This lead to a short-yardage touchdown run on the second drive. Andre Johnson had seven receptions for 131 yards.

One area where the Texans didn’t dominate: scoreboard. The Saints won 31-23. All three of the Saints’ quarterbacks had quarterback ratings of at least 106. It was another efficient and effective dissection of the Texans secondary, similar to what other top-tier quarterbacks have done to them during the regular season.

The Texans will open their season with a road game against the San Diego Chargers. They follow that up with their home-opener against the Titans.