HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – The Houston Texans defense is exactly what they thought they would be when the season started, and it sure isn’t by accident.

“Aw yeah, it’s not a fluke,” said safety Andre Hal after the team’s drumming of the Saints 24-6 on Sunday. “I think we’re just playing hard, playing fast, and running to the ball. And, (defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel) is calling some great plays.”

Great might not appropriately describe what the Texans accomplished Sunday. Drew Brees failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time in 45 games and the Saints failed to score a touchdown for the first time in 155 games. They have allowed just two touchdowns in November holding three of their four opponents without a touchdown.

“They’re just playing great,” said owner Bob McNair.

They’re coming together after what Jadeveon Clowney said was the turning point against the Dolphins.

“Playing together,” Clowney said was the reason for the recent success. “We’re playing complimentary football. I said it last week. We jut need to keep feeding off each other.”

“We’re getting better,” said Kevin Johnson said about their impressive performance. He said the team learned from the start of the year when they were disappointing.

They aren’t happy with what they have right now. They are setting their sites higher.

“We come out here every day like the sky’s the limit,” said Johnson.

The offense appreciates the recent uptick in performance.

“We’ve got one of the best defenses in the league,” said center Ben Jones. “The way they’re playing right now it makes our job easy. We just go out there and try to manage the clock and take care of business.”

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