NFL News & Analysis

NFL Week 5 PFF ReFocused: Houston Texans 53, Atlanta Falcons 32

Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans dropped the Atlanta Falcons to 1-4 with their 53-32 win over the birds at home in Week 5.

PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game and the other games played this week will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats.

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Final Score

Houston Texans 53, Atlanta Falcons 32

Houston Texans

JJ Watt collected multiple pressures in the passing game and gave the rookie right tackle Kaleb McGary problems. Watt was a matchup nightmare for the rookie, as the pressure did not allow Matt Ryan the time in the pocket he needed

The defensive line as a whole was key in shutting down the run. They recorded multiple tackles for loss and forced the Falcons to throw the ball.

After a quiet start to begin the year, wide receiver Will Fuller exploded in Week 5 against Atlanta. The Falcons' secondary had no answers for Fuller and his career-day could have been even better if he wasn't tackled just short of the goal line on a potential fourth touchdown.

The Texans' offensive line has struggled to protect Deshaun Watson early in the 2019 season but was excellent in Week 5. More often than not, Watson stood back in a clean pocket with plenty of time to find an open receiver, which ultimately led to numerous big plays downfield.

Rookie Takeaways

Tytus Howard was solid in pass protection, but fellow rookie Max Scharping really struggled as a run blocker and pass blocker in this one. Both players still have a ways to go, but Scharping was much more of a liability than Howard on Sunday.

Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones was kept in check all game long. He finished the contest with just three receptions for 42 yards and caught zero passes in the second half.

Grady Jarrett was the standout player on an otherwise disappointing day from the Falcons' defense. Jarrett's impact was most felt in the run game, as he bottled up Texans running backs on the ground throughout the game.

The Falcons' secondary was overmatched by the Texans' wideouts all afternoon. Fuller had himself a career day, but Deandre Hopkins and Keke Coutee had their share of big plays, as well. The linebackers struggled in coverage in the red zone, as tight end Darren Fells got in on the action with two touchdowns himself.

Rookie Takeaways

Kaleb McGary had a rough outing against the Texans. Pitted against Watt for a majority of the contest, he gave up multiple pressures and rarely made his block in the run game.

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