If the Houston Texans had played a little cleaner in coverage against the Buffalo Bills, they probably would have walked away with a win rather than losing theirseason opener 36-31.
When asked about the mistakes ahead of the Week 2 matchup to the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive coordinator Matt Burke said the problems had nothing to do with a lack of talent. Instead, it was attributable to the technique the players were using and has been an emphasis the entire week.
“It was a technique thing more than anything,” Burke said. “I wouldn't say we had just a lot of straight busts in terms of like guys not in sort of spots where they need to be. It was leverage stuff. It was some technique issues. It's been a huge focus this week and getting back to trying
to play the type of football that we're used to playing. It's a new week. We're moving forward. We had to really spend some time making sure we're addressing what we saw to make sure that we don't put that performance out there again.”
Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke on the Bengals offense:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 18, 2026
“Good players. Quarterback is really good. He can make every throw in the book, it’s real impressive. Lot of weapons, everyone knows about the WRs & what they’re about. Gisecki adds a different element, tall, long… pic.twitter.com/7BdlmjUVNC
Houston cannot afford to have those same issues against the Bengals. With wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with tight end Mike Gesicki, who was their leading receiver in their first game of the season, Cincinnati will capitalize on any mistake the Texans make, even if Joe Burrow is not playing at quarterback.
The Texans are looking to avoid starting 0-2 for the second season in a row.
They also want to keep pace with the reigning AFC South Champions, the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were the only team in the division to win their season opener.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DC Matt Burke says technique, not talent, was the issue in Week 1
