A Deep Dive Into The Houston Texans' 2017 Football Season: Highlights And Key Moments

The 2017 NFL season was a significant chapter in the history of the Houston Texans. With a blend of challenges and triumphs, this season tested the resilience of the team, its players, and its passionate fanbase. Let's take a detailed look at the season, highlighting key moments, performances, and what fans can learn from it.

A Promising Start

The Texans kicked off the 2017 season with high hopes, largely due to the arrival of rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. Drafted 12th overall, Watson was expected to make an immediate impact, and he did not disappoint.

Key Early Games

In their first game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans faced a tough opponent. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short, losing 29-7. However, this early setback didn't deter the team's spirit.

As the season progressed, Watson quickly became the face of the franchise. His dual-threat ability as a passer and runner injected energy into the team. The Texans' offense flourished as they found a rhythm.

Milestone Moments

• Week 2 vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Watson made his first start at home and threw for 15 completions and 125 yards, leading the Texans to a 13-9 victory.
• Week 3 vs. New England Patriots: The Texans played an intense game, showcasing their talent. Watson threw for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the team narrowly lost 36-33.

Watson’s Rise to Stardom

One of the most memorable aspects of the 2017 season was Deshaun Watson's remarkable play. He broke multiple records, including the most touchdown passes by a rookie (19) before suffering a season-ending injury.

Key Performances

• Week 4 vs. Tennessee Titans: In a thrilling game, Watson threw for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the Texans to a dominating 57-14 win.
• Week 8 vs. Seattle Seahawks: In one of the season's most exciting games, Watson threw for 402 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, displaying poise against a tough Seattle defense.

The Injury Bug Strikes

Just as the Texans were finding their footing, disaster struck. In practice leading up to Week 9, Watson tore his ACL, bringing his season to a heartbreaking end. His injury not only affected the Texans' playoff hopes but also left fans and teammates reeling.

Impact of Watson's Injury

The Texans struggled to maintain consistency without Watson. The offensive game plan had to be adjusted, and the team relied more heavily on their defense. Despite some valiant efforts, they couldn’t recapture the same offensive prowess without their star quarterback.

Defensive Highlights

While the offense faced challenges, the Texans’ defense remained a stronghold throughout the season. With star players like J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney leading the charge, the defense consistently made crucial stops.

Defensive Standouts

• J.J. Watt: Returning from injury, Watt showcased his elite pass-rushing ability and registered a total of 61 tackles and 9.5 sacks.
• Jadeveon Clowney: Clowney proved to be a formidable partner in crime for Watt, accumulating 9 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.

The duo made for one of the most formidable linebacker duos in the league, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Playoff Push

Despite the struggles in the latter part of the season, the Texans managed to clinch the AFC South title, finishing with a record of 4-12. With Watson sidelined, the team's playoff run was hampered. They entered the postseason as underdogs, and the excitement was palpable.

Playoff Game

In the Wild Card round against the New England Patriots, the Texans were eliminated with a 34-16 defeat. While they fell short, the future looked bright with Watson as the potential leader of the franchise.

Final Thoughts on the Season

The Texans’ 2017 season was a rollercoaster filled with highs and lows. The emergence of Deshaun Watson offered a glimpse of hope and a bright future for the franchise. However, the injury that ended his season raised questions about depth and resilience.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the Texans' final record in 2017?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The Texans finished the 2017 season with a record of 4 wins and 12 losses.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who was the standout player for the Texans in 2017?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Deshaun Watson was the standout player, throwing for 1,699 yards and 19 touchdowns before his injury.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How did the Texans fare in the playoffs?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The Texans made it to the playoffs but were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the New England Patriots.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What were some of the key injuries during the season?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Deshaun Watson's ACL tear was the most significant injury. Other injuries affected the team but did not have the same impact.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the future outlook for the Texans after the 2017 season?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>With Watson's potential return and strong defensive core, the future appeared optimistic for the Texans moving forward.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

The 2017 season for the Houston Texans was a lesson in resilience and promise. Fans witnessed the rise of Deshaun Watson and saw the potential for greatness despite setbacks. The team’s journey that year serves as an inspiration for overcoming adversity and believing in a brighter future.

As we move forward, it’s crucial for fans to keep supporting the Texans and remain optimistic about upcoming seasons. Practice using this season's memories to fuel your passion for the game. Watch future tutorials and analyses to stay updated on the Texans' journey.

<p class="pro-note">🚀Pro Tip: Keep an eye on player development and offseason strategies to enhance your understanding of the team's future potential!</p>