The game of football has become a statistical, analytic game with more pie charts and graphs at times than the midday programming on CNBC.
Nevertheless after each game there are some stats that are fascinating for one reason or another. Maybe they encapsulate the 60-minute contest, or perhaps they are merely miscellaneous but a delightful kicker.
Buy Texans TicketsThe Houston Texans started off the DeMeco Ryans era with a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 at M&T Bank Stadium. Technically, it was the first time the Texans had lost a season opener since 2020.
Here are seven interesting facts to come out of the 0-1 start.
Defense flashed potential
Despite the loss, the Texans defense held the Ravens to 265 yards total offense, which was the fifth-fewest for the Ravens in a season opener since 1999.
C.J. Stroud sets records
The No. 2 overall pick completed 28 passes on 44 attempts for 242 yards, which were the most by a Texans rookie in their first career start.
Stroud also had a 63.3 completion percentage, another high mark for a Texans rookie.
Ka'imi Fairbairn connects
The Texans kicker was good from 38, 36, and 35, which gave Fairbairn his 22nd career game with at least three made field goals.
Will Anderson reminds of a 49ers edge rusher
According to Next Gen Stats, Anderson had six quarterback pressures, which were the most by a rookie in Week 1 since Nick Bosa and Josh Allen in 2019. Not only that, but Anderson’s six defensive stops are the most by a rookie edge rusher on Opening Day since 2016 when the stat was first tracked.
Jalen Pitre joins DeMeco Ryans
The second-year safety had two tackles, which made him the second player in team history behind his own coach to top the 100 career solo tackles within their first 18 career games. At least Pitre is the first Texans defensive back to do so.
Three straight Opening Days
Cornerback Steven Nelson’s interception gave the Texans three straight Opening Days with an interception. Last year defensive end Jerry Hughes recorded a pick while linebacker Christian Kirksey, cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, and safety Justin Reid claimed an errant pass in 2021.
Seven straight
The Texans have seven straight games with two takeaways extending back to Week 13 of 2022.
