Denver vs. Houston: 3 Texans that Broncos must be ready for

The Denver Broncos will be looking to rebound following a tough loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week. 

The Broncos had what looked to be a favorable schedule to begin the 2022 season, but many things can be called into question after a loss to the Seahawks on Monday night.

The Broncos have what many will see as a winnable game in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, but there is no such thing as a sure thing in the NFL.

The Broncos will have to be better in all facets this week, starting at the top with coaching. Russell Wilson will get another chance to give Broncos Country his first victory as the team’s quarterback but the Broncos will also be missing a couple of key players, such as Justin Simmons and K.J. Hamler.

The Broncos need to find a way to win this game as a loss at home to the Texans, widely considered one of the worst teams in the league, would be disastrous.

But this is the NFL and these are professional athletes. The Broncos will still need to be wary of some impact players on the Texans’ roster.

Houston Texans player Broncos must be ready for: Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver

Easily the most electric player on the Texans’ offense is wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who is the No. 1 target in the passing game for quarterback Davis Mills.

Cooks is both a volume receiver and a big-play threat, able to convert key third downs as well as get behind the defense as one of the league’s best deep threats.

Cooks should see plenty of Patrick Surtain on Sunday, which will be a good challenge for the second-year cornerback. If Surtain can negate Cooks on the field, it could seriously hamper the Texans’ passing attack.

Cooks led the way for Houston in Week 1 with seven receptions for 82 yards but he was targeted 12 times by Mills. No other wide receiver saw three targets in that game.

If Surtain can shut him down and make Mills look elsewhere, it could be a huge key in the Broncos winning this game.