The Texans offense wanted to involve tight ends in the passing game.
They did and early.
For the first time in 2015, Houston scored a touchdown on its opening drive. Ryan Griffin hauled in first score of the season on a 10-yard catch. It was just the beginning of a big day for the third-year tight end. C.J. Fiedorowicz added two catches for 20 yards. Between the two of them, the tight ends were 6-of-7 for 92 yards and a touchdown.
"I think getting Ryan Griffin back has helped us," head coach Bill O'Brien said Monday. "He's done a good job of coming in here, especially in the passing game. I think he's got to continue to work on the blocking aspect of things, but he's getting better in the passing game. And I think C.J. Fiedorowicz has really worked hard to get better."
Griffin had four catches and a career-high high 72 yards in the 24-6 win over the Saints. His 36-yard reception in the third quarter was his longest of the season and set up Alfred Blue's touchdown run just three plays later.
"He had a great day," Brian Hoyer said of Griffin. "To get him back involved, C.J. Fiedorowicz had a few catches. I think getting those guys involved on the offense really helps."
It's been a tough road for Griffin, who spent Weeks 2-9 on short-term injured reserve. In his third game back, he's been steadily improving.
"I've thought about this a lot, (Ryan) Griffin was unlucky, got the knee injury," O'Brien said. "But before that, he had been really coming on strong, end of last year, OTAs, training camp. It was unfortunate that he was hurt and it's good to have him back. He's an athletic guy. He's a tough guy. He's got good hands. He's a good route runner. He can get open versus man-to-man coverage and not just zone coverage. That makes him a really good weapon for us."
The (6-5) Texans will travel to (5-6) Buffalo in Week 13. Kickoff is set for noon CT on CBS KHOU-11 and SportsRadio 610.
Check out some of the best fan photos from Sunday's game against the Saints.
