Brennan Scarlett led the way for a Texans special teams unit that shined in the win over Buffalo.
The outside linebacker started things off in the first quarter when he pounced on a muffed punt return by Ray-Ray McCloud, III. With 7:35 left in the opening period, Scarlett recovered the fumble at the Bills' 29-yard line, and a few plays later the Texans scored their lone offensive touchdown of the game when Deshaun Watson linked up with DeAndre Hopkins.
Later, with 10:13 remaining in the second quarter, Scarlett scooped up a punt blocked by Tyrell Adams, and scooted 14 yards up the left sideline to the Buffalo 21-yard line. Houston would get a field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn three plays later.
"That was huge," Scarlett said. "We always talk about playing complementary football. It takes all three phases of the game, and as a special teams unit, we take a lot of pride in going out there and doing our part."
Scarlett also dropped punt returner Micah Hyde at the Bills 21-yard line during the third quarter. All in all, it was a good day by Scarlett and company.
"Brennan Scarlett, he's one of those guys that has come through for us in ways that people probably don't even notice," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's really been a good special teams core player for us. He works his butt off here every single day, really kind of a fabric type guy on the team no doubt about it."
Scarlett and the Texans were able to start, on average, their drives at their own 36-yard line. Buffalo, meanwhile, started at their own 28, on average.
To the best homefield advantage in the NFL, thank you fans!
