The Texans are not overlooking the Cleveland Browns, despite their 0-5 start. A win would get Houston back to .500, heading into the Week 7 bye and a much-needed boost after losing J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus to season-ending injuries this week.
"We just want to win them all," Jadeveon Clowney said. "We prepare just like we do every game. We want to win against every team we play. That's our goal. Just another team to play this week, so we got to win no matter what their record (is). They're 5-0 to me."
Bill O'Brien praised the creativity of Browns head coach Hue Jackson. O'Brien faced his Browns counterpart twice before when Jackson served as the Bengals offensive coordinator in 2014-15. Under Jackson, the Browns defense ranks fifth in the NFL, allowing just 304.8 yards per game and is second against the run. Opponents are averaging just 2.88 yards per play when facing Cleveland.
"Defensively, some of the things that they're doing, Gregg Williams' package on third down – we were working on third down today, I mean, it's impossible to predict what Gregg Williams is going to do on third down, to give you an example," O'Brien said. "So, it's going to be a very challenging game. A very challenging game where our players need to show up and be ready to go."
After coming off the bench for rookie Deshone Kizer in Week 5, Browns quarterback Kevin Hogan completed 16-of-19 passes for 194 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a 122.4 passer rating. Hogan also added 30 yards rushing on four carries in Cleveland's 17-14 loss to the Jets. Hogan will start on Sunday at NRG Stadium, but the Texans are preparing for either quarterback.
"I know that Hue named Kevin the starter, but you have to be ready for two guys because DeShone's been the starter for a few games," O'Brien said. "So, I think you really have to study the tape and be ready for two. But, you don't drastically change. You have to do what you do. You have to really play to your players' strengths, you have to stop the run, you have to set the edge, build the wall, you have to be in good coverage, you have to disguise. You have to do the things that we do. You have to play very hard, you've got to get off to a good start, that's important. So, I think it's more about making sure that we do our jobs right."
The (2-3) Texans will host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 12 noon on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
Check out some of the best shots from Wednesday's practice as the Texans prepare for the Browns.
