4 ways the Texans can limit Browns’ Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper

The Houston Texans have a rematch in the postseason!

After winning the AFC South last weekend, they’ve secured a home playoff matchup against the Cleveland Browns (Saturday, 3:30 p.m CT). The two played as recently as Christmas Eve, during which the Browns absolutely battered the Texans, without C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson, Blake Cashman and others, in a 36-22 Week 16 victory.

The initial matchup leaves some interesting questions for Houston on defense. They can expect their offensive output to improve dramatically with Stroud back under center, but they’ll have to play better to stop a Cleveland offense who had 418 total yards during the game.

Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 368 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while wide receiver Amari Cooper had the best day of his career with 11 receptions for 265 yards and two scores.

Three reasons Houston should have better success against Amari Cooper in Round 2:

1) Healthy defensive line. Heating up Joe Flacco limits time for vertical concepts

2) Better safety cohesion between Jalen Pitre & others, limit explosives

3) Regression to the mean on big shots https://t.co/VbGxevqpZ1

— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) January 12, 2024

There are certainly changes from the last time they played and ones that should give Houston fans optimism things will be different. Here are four of those developments that may play a huge role: