The Houston Texans’ loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 13 was a frustrating affair, especially given that it constituted their 10th defeat of the season at the hands of their former quarterback. The 13-point margin that ultimately doomed their efforts was indicative of how they’ve squandered opportunities at every turn in 2022, and though they fought hard to the bitter end, Houston remains the league’s most inept team, unable to secure victory at any cost.
Perhaps the only thing that went right for them in the matchup was their ability to force turnovers, which kept the game from getting completely out of hand. Rookie safety Jalen Pitre turned out an admirable performance, snagging his third interception of the season and combining for 16 total tackles in what should be considered his breakout performance.
Likewise, defensive back Demond King II managed to recover a fumble in the game, helping to mark the fifth time that the Texans have forced multiple turnovers this season. Usually, multi-turnover games are considered a rarity, but it seems that when opponents have played against Houston this season, all normal customs and tendencies go out the window.
The most frustrating reality of this milestone is the fact that the Texans can put together a competent defensive gameplan that would normally result in a positive outcome, but the ineptitude of their offense is an insurmountable obstacle that the team just cannot seem to overcome to get a win.
At this rate, Houston will finish the season with one win and a tie to show for their efforts and will lose no less than 14 games en route to securing themselves the first-overall pick in April’s draft. Ostensibly, they’d use that selection to take their pick of the 2023 quarterback class, but it seems that whomever they choose will be up against the gun from day one as they battle the team’s overall incompetence in what is sure to be a whirlwind rookie season.
