After making the playoffs in 2012, both Washington and the Houston Texans suffered through miserable seasons in 2013. Houston won its first two games last season before the bottom fell out -- the Texans lost the final 14 games and then-head coach Gary Kubiak literally suffered a stroke on the sideline.
Washington vs. Texans 2014: Time, TV schedule, radio and how to watch online
Two new head coaches square off deep in the heart of Texas.
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Bill O'Brien has taken the reins in Houston and has a shiny new toy in first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney pairs with J.J. Watt, he of the new $100 million contract, to form perhaps the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL. Offensively, Matt Schaub is out after throwing 14 interceptions last year and losing his job to Case Keenum. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the new starter, a stop-gap option until a better option becomes available.
Washington is also under new management, with first-year head coach Jay Gruden running the show. Gruden is pining for a better year out of Robert Griffin III, who struggled in his sophomore campaign. Griffin, who was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the 2012 playoffs, threw 16 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, leading Washington to a dismal 3-13 campaign.
The offense was given a boost in the offseason with the addition of receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles for cap reasons, flourished in Chip Kelly's system to the tune of 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. Andre Roberts was also signed to play the slot, with holdover Pierre Garcon playing opposite of Jackson.
How to watch
Where: NRG Stadium
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Announcers: Thom Brennaman and David Diehl
Radio: Washington local listings | Texans local listings
Online streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket, Verizon NFL Mobile
Nuts and Bolts
Both teams have a ground game they would like to establish early. Washington features Alfred Morris, a third-year back who broke the franchise record for rushing yards with 1,613 yards in his rookie season in 2012. Morris fell off a bit in 2013, but still managed an excellent year with 1,275 yards and seven touchdowns.
On the other side, Arian Foster is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued campaign which saw him play in only eight games. Foster averaged a healthy 4.5 yards per carry but only gained 542 yards on the ground before being shut down for the season with a back injury.
Further reading
For more on the Texans, be sure to check out Battle Red Blog.
For more on Washington, visit Hogs Haven.
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