5 things to watch
1. How will Brian Hoyer perform as the starter?
This is the first game Brian Hoyer is starting for the Texans and he will need to make the most out of it. Hoyer has been more consistent than his counterpart Ryan Mallett which is why he got the start but Hoyer needs to remain sharp all season long. Mallet feels as if he could already start in the NFL however head Coach Bill O'Brien did not see things that way so if Hoyer slips up Mallett could potentially take over at any moment.
2. Will Brandin Cooks continue to shine as the main passing threat?
Brandin Cooks has been ultra-dominant this preseason and looks to have a breakout season with Jimmy Graham out of the lineup. Can Cooks continue building momentum?
3. How will the Saints offensive line look?
With the starting line in fans will get to see how Max Unger looks anchoring that Saints offensive line. We can also see how the rookie Andrus Peat will do with the starters and depending on his performance it can signify if he is ready for a starting role.
4. Can a starting tight end threat emerge in Jimmy Graham's absence?
Can the veteran Benjamin Watson or the young upstart Josh Hill make any type of headway into becoming the next tight end passing threat? Watson has been declared the starter but he is 34 and is only getting older.
5. Who will be the Texans starting running back?
With Arian Foster out the decision is really between Chris Polk, Alfred Blue, and Jonathan Grimes. Polk seems like the most explosive player, out of the group but Alfred Blue has been Foster's back up for quite some time.
