I just watched the second half of the speeded up version of the Houston-Washington game on the NFL Network, keeping an eye on Doughty on every play when the Blackskins were on defense. What I saw was a sure tackler who was near the ball time and again when not actually making plays. By contrast, Washington's other d-backs were mostly AWOL, although during overtime the play by playannouncer breathlesslyproclaimed at one point that the Blackskins' other safety, LaRon Landry, had "played at an All Pro level tonight" after he nearly sacked Matt Schaub on a blitz. There were more than a few plays when Doughty was basically out there by himself with no CBs in sight. He was truly their last line of defense time and again during a game in which Schaub threw for just under 500 yards.
And on Andre Johnson's TD catch to tie the game in the 4th quarter, Doughty made a valiant effort against a taller receiver. Doughty grabbed Johnson's left arm as they came down butJohnson had transferred the ball to his right arm. It was a great play by Johnsonon a great clutch throw bySchaub. Any even semi-rational observer would have blasted the cornerback who was very badly beaten by Johnson on such a crucial play and was nowhere in sight in the endzone during the catch, but of course we're not dealing with rational people when it comes to the national mass psychosisthat exists when it comes toWhite safeties and White football players in general.
This was a very nice comeback win for the Texans and the NFL Network will be showing it more during the week in a condensed format. If you have time, check it out for yourself and see if you can find a single play where Reed Doughty can be singled out for criticism.