The Houston Texans didn't have an answer for the New England Patriots once again as they lost 41-28 in the AFC divisional round on Sunday. This is the second time the Texans lost to Bill Belichick's squad in the 2012 season, and both times were equally hard to watch.
Texans vs. Patriots, 2013 NFL Playoffs: Texans fans disappointed with defensive matchups
The Texans couldn’t slow down the Patriots offense for the second time this season. What stood out about the defensive woes?
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After scoring two late touchdowns, the Texans were able to make it appear as if the game was actually close, but those watching from the very start knew the real story. The Texans gave up 457 total yards on defense, struggling to find any way to force the Patriots offense off the field.
TexansDC over at Battle Red Blog was overall disappointed with the entire defensive effort, and seems to believe a lot of changes must be made going forward into 2013.
The defense is going to have to improve safety depth, to rid the roster of Keo and Quintin Demps, and get more athletic at inside linebacker, even after Brian Cushing comes back. It is painfully apparent that Houston's defense cannot match up with a spread-style offense. Between those offenses and mobile quarterbacks becoming fashionable in the NFL, the Texans defense will need to improve to keep up. Also, the Texans need to find some way to get a pass rush up the middle of the field, so Shaun Cody may not be re-signed.
After seeing the Texans fail twice to match up with this type of offense, the coaching staff has to be planning on bringing in new help. Obviously Cushing’s absence created a void, but other glaring issues need to be addressed if they want to have any chance of making a deeper run in the playoffs.
The Texans head into the offseason with another disappointing ending to an impressive campaign. Once the top-ranked team in the power rankings, Gary Kubiak’s squad goes home looking for answers once again.
For more on the Texans, be sure to check out Battle Red Blog.
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