NFL GAME PREVIEW

Texans aim to keep Watson upright vs. Chargers

Field Level Media

September 19, 2019 at 3:33 am.

Two teams seeking to move above .500 meet Sunday when the Houston Texans visit the Los Angeles Chargers in Carson, Calif.

The Chargers return home after dropping a 13-10 road decision to the Detroit Lions. It is the ninth time in the past 11 years the team has started 1-1.

Adding to Los Angeles’ frustration were two missed field goals, Austin Ekeler’s fumble on Detroit’s 1-yard line and Philip Rivers’ late-game interception deep in Lions territory.

“I’d expect us to be fired up and ready to bounce back,” said Rivers, who became the eighth player in NFL history with 55,500 career passing yards. “I think we’ve shown the ability to do that over the years when we’ve lost some tough ones.”

Houston heads to ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park off a 13-12 home victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans dropped their season opener at New Orleans on a 58-yard field goal on the game’s final play.

On offense, the Chargers rank fourth overall with 429.5 yards per game. They’re eighth in passing (298.5 ypg), and despite the absence of holdout Melvin Gordon, they’re 10th in rushing (131.0 ypg).

Houston’s offense has struggled, ranking 21st in total offense (338.5 ypg) and 24th in passing (185.5). The Texans, however, have averaged 153 rushing yards (No. 5).

The Texans’ biggest offensive problem has been protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson. He has been sacked four or more times in eight consecutive games, tying the longest such streak since sacks became an official stat in 1982. That, after Houston acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil from Miami before the season opener.

Although each team was close to being unbeaten so far, both have had issues defensively. Los Angeles is ranked 17th overall (357.5 ypg) and Houston 23rd (395.5).

The Chargers have fared better against the pass (eighth, 209.0) than the run (28th, 148.5). But the unit sustained another blow Sunday when safety Adrian Phillips broke his forearm. He subsequently was placed on injured reserve.

“His versatility is huge,” coach Anthony Lynn said of Phillips. “He was a special teams Pro Bowler last year. He’s the captain of that secondary. He’ll be hard to replace. But we have some guys who are going to try to fill his shoes.”

The loss of Phillips, and the absence of safety Derwin James (foot) and running back Gordon, means the Chargers are missing three of their seven Pro Bowlers from last season. Tight end Hunter Henry (knee) remains out, and wide receiver Keenan Allen (knee) and kicker Michael Badgley (groin) were limited Wednesday.

The Texans are 22nd in the league defending the pass (270.0 ypg) and 23rd vs. the run (125.5).

One bright spot has been outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who has thrived after Houston traded Jadeveon Clowney. Mercilus was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after registering three tackles, two sacks, three quarterback hits and two forced fumbles against Jacksonville.

“Whitney has been a very productive player for us over the years,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s been a guy who’s known really for just doing his job. He just does a good job of setting the edge in the run game, and then rushing the passer.”

Some bragging rights also will be on the line, as Texans defensive end J.J. Watt will face younger brother Derek, a Chargers fullback.

O’Brien also said his team needs to “be ready for the field,” as it will host a Los Angeles Galaxy soccer match Saturday night. What effect, if any, that has on the turf likely won’t be known until just before game time.