Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Taking a knee twice and punting can work for Texans

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Dec. 13, 2002 | 10:26 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4076.

After watching last week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's obvious the expansion Houston Texans need a new offensive strategy.

Fortunately, I'm here to help. Here is my suggested play-calling for a typical offensive set with this group.

On first down, I'd have the quarterback take a knee. It's a safe play, runs a little clock, and will keep David Carr from being peeled off the turf the way he is most times the Texans attempt a tricky forward pass.

On second down, I'd call another kneel-down. It's tempting to try some gadget off tackle running play, but the risk of a fumble scares me.

On third down, punt. If the other team fumbles the punt, I'd repeat the first two plays and then kick a field goal.

If the other team maintains possession, I'd have them right where I want them. Bring on the defense.

It seems crazy, but it's really not much different than what Houston did on Sunday.

The Texans gained 47 yards all day. They had three completed passes. Three first downs. Last season, the Rams would have considered those numbers to be a weak opening drive.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, marched up and down the field almost at will, compiling 422 yards of offense.

One problem. Houston won the game by 18 points.

Aaron Glenn returned two interceptions for touchdowns and Kenny Wright returned a fumble 40 yards for another score. The offense did contribute a field goal to the cause, after an impressive three-play drive in which they lost only five yards before kicking. In fact, no team had ever won an NFL game with fewer offensive yards.

With their defense doing the scoring for them, it didn't matter. Credit Dom Capers with showing a little compassion in victory, however.

With a comfortable fourth-quarter lead, Capers did everything he did to keep his offense on the field, preventing his defense from running up the score. Class move.