HOUSTON- Hue Jackson decided to start Kevin Hogan at quarterback. To say the decision was a disaster was a monumental understatement. Jackson’s hands are tied and the Browns situation is getting worse. The game either produced a lot of yelling or laughing.
Hogan threw three interceptions in the first half. The Texans defense returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown. His passes were often too high and inaccurate. He clearly wasn’t ready to start.
The Browns were down 24-3 at halftime. There was still time for the Texans to outright win the game and rub the loss in the Browns faces. The Texans poured it on in the second half. The Texans nearly recovered a fumble on Cleveland’s first possession of the second half. The referees ruled it an incomplete pass. On the Browns second possession, the Texans forced Hogan to attempt a difficult pass from the end zone. He committed intentional grounding which resulted in a safety. The Texans increased their lead to 26-3.
Myles Garrett managed to put enough pressure on Deshaun Watson to force an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Although it didn’t have much impact on the final score, it was nice to see the rookie defensive end make the impact play he was drafted to make.
Houston’s defense continued to make life miserable for the Browns in the fourth quarter. Hogan was pressured and harassed in the pocket. The Texans confidence was fueled by all of the big plays they made throughout the game. Hogan continued to endure sacks and fumbled the ball. He also sustained a big hit to his ribs. Hogan showed grit by remaining in the game.
In the end, the Browns were no much for the impressive defensive display and dynamic performance from Watson (225 passing yards, 23 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Hogan threw a touchdown to Seth Devalve to soften the blow but it was a case of too little, too late. The Browns 33-17.