Perhaps one of the most interesting matchups to watch when the Houston Texans take on the Cleveland Browns is how Houston’s defense handles Cleveland’s talented tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
Despite the Texans’ struggles on defense, they have actually played quite well against tight ends. Their game against the New York Giants is proof of that. Even though they lost, Houston held Giants tight end Isaiah Likely to just two receptions for 12 yards.
“Harold is a special tight end. He jumps off the tape from the speed, the athleticism, the physicality,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “They'll line them up in the backfield in some of their two-back sets. He's a guy I'm very impressed with watching the film on him throughout this week. He's a guy who's
made multiple plays in those last two-minute drives as well. A strong guy. It's difficult to get him down. He made a play last week versus the Saints to put them in position to go to overtime there. It's a tough out."
Fannin is currently playing through a groin injury that seemed to limit him against the New Orleans Saints last week and has limited him in practice leading up to this game. That could help Houston keep him contained. But they still have to contend with Cleveland’s other playmakers, including, rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.
"We have to tackle well versus Fannin," Ryans said. "We have to cover him well. He does a good job of running routes and they do a good job of trying to find ways to get him targets, get him opportunities to get the football in his hands.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans set to face 'special' tight end in Browns' Harold Fannin Jr.
