New Orleans Saints defeat Houston Texans 34-27 despite shakey start

The fans got what they wanted last night when the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Houston Texans which was a well fought 34-27  victory.  Although at first it seemed that it might not go that way, the Saints shook off the previous week and carried on.

The Texans offense shredded the Saints early in the contest with a drive on the first series of the game that mirrored what the Saints offense usually does and scored twice easily.

Of course one of those scores came after the Texans were given the ball back on the Saints first series.  Running back Chris Ivory who is trying to cement his roster spot, fumbled fighting for extra yards which the Texans recovered and converted for their second score.

What was troubling at first was the ease the Texans were able to score on the Saints the first two drives.  The defense seemed to be caught off guard at times by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub’s almost Drew Brees-like poise and ability to find an open receiver.

One reason for this was likely some changes at key defensive positions.  With injuries at linebacker, Jonathan Casillas was given the nod to start at the middle linebacker position.  Casillas has never played middle before and may have caused some hiccups early on.

It was ultimately the turnover battle that the Saints won that really helped their chances in the end.  The Saints had the one off Ivory while wide receiver Joe Morgan had another.  The Texans on the other hand had a three that they coughed up to the Saints.

One fumble was right after the Saints first touchdown and Texans kick returner Trindon Holliday fumbled after being hit by safety Isa Abdul-Quddus near the 20-yard line on the kickoff.  Defensive end Junior Galette scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.