First Look: Saints vs. Texans

The Saints and Texans are a familiar preseason matchup, but it's just the sixth time they play each other in the regular season.

The Saints (3-2) travel to Houston on Sunday to take on the Texans (2-3) as one of the early kicks in Week 6. New Orleans was able to respond in a big way last week after dropping two straight games, while Houston lost in Atlanta on a last-second field goal from the Falcons to end their back-to-back wins. Here's some of the things we're watching this week as it progresses.

Saints Storylines to Watch vs. Texans

Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is congratulated by tight end Jimmy Graham (80) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

WAS LAST WEEK A ONE-TIME SHOWING?

That's probably the million dollar question right now for the Saints. New Orleans did a lot of good things on the offensive side of the ball, but that does that trend continue against the Texans facing a DeMeco Ryans defense? There's success to be had for Derek Carr and company, and we'll see how things transpire for the offense. The biggest things that stood out for the Saints last week was their red zone execution, something that had really struggled during the first several games.

FRONT FOUR IN FOCUS

For the Saints defense, this is where we're a little more interested to see what happens against rookie C.J. Stroud. He's playing a pretty high level right now, and we've seen in the past the team struggle with the likes of Baker Mayfield and Jordan Love. They were able to extend plays and get away from the rush, so the eye discipline and focus will have to be there playing against the Houston quarterback.

SECONDARY BACK AT FULL STRENGTH

The Saints got Marcus Maye back this week, so that means they'll have their full compliment of talent in the secondary. Alontae Taylor will continue to hold down the slot, while Jordan Howden goes in as the extra defensive back. The Texans had four explosive plays against the Falcons last week, with two of them going to Tank Dell (29, 22). He's unlikely to play being in the concussion protocol, but the Texans still have talent there with a young player like Nico Collins. We'll see how they match up this week.

HEALTH CHECK

The Saints had 13 players on their first injury report of the week, with a good group of them not participating. It's unclear if they'll get some of the players who were out back this week in Juwan Johnson, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and Landon Young, but there's also Adam Prentice and J.T. Gray in this mixture. New Orleans could easily bring up Daniel Sorensen from the practice squad to help fill a void, but replacing Gray is obviously something that might fall on Jordan Howden.

As for Prentice's potential absence, J.P. Holtz was added to the practice squad this week, so he could actually play fullback if he's called up. Remember, the Saints can't call up Johnathan Abram again, as he has been used three times. He'd have to go on the active roster if they want to keep him in the lineup.