It’s okay to admit that this game against Atlanta was always going to be a tough one. But the Texans’ effort, or lack thereof, was simply unacceptable.
Houston got absolutely throttled by the Atlanta Falcons, 48-21, and that final score doesn’t even come close to depicting how bad the game really was. There’s a lot to dissect from this game, so bear with me.
Pick 1: 42-0
All of the Texans’ 21 points came in the fourth quarter long after the game was a moot point. By the end of the third quarter, the Falcons already had a 42-0 lead. That’s an absolutely embarrassing deficit for Houston.
Yes, Atlanta is a very good team. But if you’re a team with playoff aspirations, you have to show up in big games. Not only that, you have to at least look like you deserve to share the field with the other team. The Texans did none of the above.
They get some credit for putting up a fight in the fourth quarter, but that effort and then some needs to be there at all times, and against a team’s starters rather than the bench riders they threw in because they decided they had embarrassed you enough.
Pick 2: QB Struggles Persist
For the second time in four weeks, the Texans were forced to pull their starting quarterback out of the game and replace him due to a pitiful effort. This time is was Ryan Mallett getting the hook after three quarters.
Mallett’s accuracy continued to be a problem as he completed just 12 of 27 passes for 150 yards and an interception. That effort awarded Mallett a QBR of 5.4.
Let that sink in.
Hoyer came in and played quite well, leading three touchdown drives. It doesn’t look like Hoyer will get the start on Thursday, but Mallett’s leash is now shorter than ever as the quarterback carousel continues.
Pick 3: “Here! Take the ball from us!”
That seems to be what the Texans said to the Falcons defense in Sunday’s loss as they turned the ball over four times. Two of those turnovers were fumbles that resulted in a defensive touchdown.
It doesn’t help that the defense has struggled to force turnovers on the other side of the ball. However, regardless of what the defense does, you can’t turn the ball over four times and hope to win a game.
Pick 4: Will The Real Houston Defense Please Stand Up?
In reality, that’s more of a plea that a question. The Texans defense used to strike fear in the hearts of opposing teams. Sure, the offense isn’t doing them any favors so far 
this season, but they’re certainly not standing tall either.
Atlanta’s defense scored 13 of their 48 points, but that means the defense was still responsible for 35 points being dropped on them. Teams struggled to get to 20 points, or sustain drives against this team last season. None of that gritty character was on display on Sunday.
Pick 5: Arian Foster Doesn’t Dazzle In Return
Fans eagerly awaited the return of Arian Foster after the running back suffered a tear in his groin in the 
preseason. Well, they got him back in a limited role on Sunday, and it didn’t quite go as planned.
Foster carried the ball eight times for just 10 yards, and had his own man bump into him and knock the ball loose for a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. It doesn’t matter who the back is if they don’t have any sort of a hole to run through.
Pick 6: Quick Turnaround
Houston has to gather themselves quickly as they have a very 
short week before taking on division rival Indianapolis on Thursday night. Honestly, it’s probably a good thing that the Texans have such a short week. It forces the Texans to focus solely on the next game rather than dwell on their shortcomings from Sunday’s loss.
The Colts have had plenty of poor efforts thus far this season as well, so it all comes down to which team can make the quick adjustments to get their team heading in a positive direction.
