It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in Houston, TX gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Houston, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Marisa and her team care deeply for their clients and provide great quality service!”
“I love this place I????????they give you the best of the best”
“Hello my experience with Best care senior service is excellent. The team is professional,polite, caring”
“We’ve been using Always Best Care for about a year now and are very happy”
“The staff are very patient and knowledgeable. We felt both seen AND heard. I recommend”
“This was an awesome experience. Always Best Care, you can feel the care in the”
“Always Best Care is such an exceptional home health care service. The professional and compassionate”
“I highly recommend! You won't find anything better. I can assure you that your”
“Just wanted to thank you and your staff for the loving care given to my”
“I have work with Always Best Care for almost 1 year and a few months”
“We found Marisa and her team after changing hospice companies and realizing that we needed”
“Marisa Thompson - owner of Always Best Care and Arlene are incredible! Personalized, in-depth”
“A good place to work for, management are very helpful and supportive, Ms. Marissa is”
“I am very pleased with Marisa and her staff. I highly recommend the”
“I’d like to say that Always Best Care Senior Services is a company that truly”
“ABC es una compañîa que siempre está atenta al mejor cuidado de sus clientes. Los”
“When your family member has changes in their life even after care giving has started…They”
“Always Best Care takes good care of their clients and their hospitality/ customer service is”
“We needed care for our mother after dad had a stoke and was going to”
“**Review for Always Best Care** I recently had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care,”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care due to their compassionate and thorough approach. Manager”
“Marisa Thompson is very genuine, compassionate, and a great leader of Always Best Care Senior”
“Excellent and professional services! No fear , love ones will be in the best care.”
“I’ve been working for the company for a few months now . This is by”
“Great place to work” management is great so glad to be a care provider for”
“Marisa and her team care deeply for their clients and provide great quality service!”
“I love this place I????????they give you the best of the best”
“Hello my experience with Best care senior service is excellent. The team is professional,polite, caring and dependable.This company is flexible and easy to work with. I love the services.”
“We’ve been using Always Best Care for about a year now and are very happy with their services. We had struggled finding reliable care for our elderly parents. ABC has found us help that is consistent and provides backup when needed, including training backup caregivers in advance. Also the ABC management is very communicative and we feel comfortable knowing the service is dependable. The Always Best Care caregivers have been wonderful! the caregivers are kind and gentle with our parents especially with our Mom who has mobility and vision issues. Strongly recommend this company!”
“The staff are very patient and knowledgeable. We felt both seen AND heard. I recommend Always Best Care- Kingwood for your loved one.”
“This was an awesome experience. Always Best Care, you can feel the care in the atmosphere. I would recommend them for sure. Thank you ????????”
“Always Best Care is such an exceptional home health care service. The professional and compassionate staff provides the comfort and care needed during the most difficult times.”
“I highly recommend! You won't find anything better. I can assure you that your loved one will be safe, comfortable, and well cared for!”
“Just wanted to thank you and your staff for the loving care given to my mom during her final weeks on Earth. The staff you chose were exactly what we needed during this time. Thank you for all you do for your clients. You have a gift and we are grateful that y'all came into our lives during this time. PS Thank you for the ivy and visit to Dad after Mom's death. Meant a lot to us that you took the time for that.”
“I have work with Always Best Care for almost 1 year and a few months it has been a wonderful experience to get to know Ms Thompson and Arlene Bright and a few other Caregivers, and I come to notice that they are very pleasant and respectful. I've had the pleasure to meet some of the nicest clients and caregivers in my life.and for that I will always be grateful. I looking forward to staying with them for a while Sincerely Mary Closen! Thanks again.”
“We found Marisa and her team after changing hospice companies and realizing that we needed help overnight with Mom. On a Friday evening, Marisa and the first of two regular caregivers came to my parents’ home. God truly works in mysterious ways as Marisa chose the caregivers that were perfect for our family. Thank you Always Best Care Senior Services for knowing what we needed before we did! Y’all are the absolute best!”
“Marisa Thompson - owner of Always Best Care and Arlene are incredible! Personalized, in-depth service, placement and care of her families that need a wide variety of in-home care needs. They are immediately ready to help and support in so many ways! Thank you both so much for the deep care you provide for all of your families❤️”
“A good place to work for, management are very helpful and supportive, Ms. Marissa is very easily approachable, happy to be part of a caring, client oriented company.”
“I am very pleased with Marisa and her staff. I highly recommend the company. I love the professionalism.Keep up the great work Always Best Care!”
“I’d like to say that Always Best Care Senior Services is a company that truly cares about the well being of our loved ones . From the owner , who happens to be an amazing family advocate to the staff that takes the extra effort to make sure that the best care is provided for all whom they encounter …. I highly recommend this group to lighten the the load when you need help to care for your loved ones when you can’t always be there.”
“ABC es una compañîa que siempre está atenta al mejor cuidado de sus clientes. Los caregiveres han sido educados en el campo del cuidado de ancianos y enfermos crónicos y mantienen un esquema de educación y supervisión continua. Atender este tipo de clientes necesita una preparación especial que aquî vas a encontrar.”
“When your family member has changes in their life even after care giving has started…They where willing to change for us and the service they provided was more than I could expect. They were very knowledgeable about the conditions my mother has and gave suggestions to me so I could better help her. Very professional and timely! James Parish”
“Always Best Care takes good care of their clients and their hospitality/ customer service is wonderful”
“We needed care for our mother after dad had a stoke and was going to be out of their home for an undetermined period of time. We now have 24 hour care for both of our parents in their home. We are extremely happy with the care provided by Always Best Care. They care for and treat our parents as they would hope their own parents would be treated and cared for. We are very fortunate to have found Always Best Care and would recommend them to anyone seeking care for their loved ones.”
“**Review for Always Best Care** I recently had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care, and I cannot express enough how impressed I am with their services. From the very first interaction, their team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a genuine commitment to providing exceptional care. The caregivers are not only highly skilled but also incredibly attentive and kind. They took the time to understand my loved one's needs and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of care was tailored to their comfort. The consistent communication from the management team kept us informed and reassured throughout the process. What stood out the most was the personalized approach they take. It’s clear that they truly care about their clients and work hard to create a positive and supportive environment. My loved one has thrived under their care, and I can’t thank Always Best Care enough for the peace of mind they’ve provided our family. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of reliable and compassionate home care services. They truly live up to their name.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care due to their compassionate and thorough approach. Manager Marisa and Supervisor Arlene are particularly dedicated to finding the ideal caregiver for your loved one.”
“Marisa Thompson is very genuine, compassionate, and a great leader of Always Best Care Senior Services Humble/Kingwood.”
“Excellent and professional services! No fear , love ones will be in the best care.”
“I’ve been working for the company for a few months now . This is by far the best company I have worked for here in Texas. They are very caring and attentive to their workers. They work with your schedule and allow you to be flexible. This doesn’t feel like a job but more of a career because of mostly how caring the managers treat their workers. I would recommend this company to anybody . I currently work for the location in Kingwood.”
“Great place to work” management is great so glad to be a care provider for them”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Levy Park in Houston, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mastro's Steakhouse or visit Sam Houston Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Houston, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Houston, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Houston, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
HOUSTON (CW39) – Labor Day stays hot and humid across Southeast Texas with only isolated to scattered afternoon storms, mainly near and south of I-10.Rain chances remain fairly low again Tuesday before deeper tropical moisture returns around midweek and brings a better chance for showers and thunderstorms.Labor Day will be a little drier than the past several days.Highs reach the low to mid 90s inland, with upper 80s to lower 90s along the coast.Houston is forecast near 93 degrees.Hea...
HOUSTON (CW39) – Labor Day stays hot and humid across Southeast Texas with only isolated to scattered afternoon storms, mainly near and south of I-10.
Rain chances remain fairly low again Tuesday before deeper tropical moisture returns around midweek and brings a better chance for showers and thunderstorms.
Labor Day will be a little drier than the past several days.
Highs reach the low to mid 90s inland, with upper 80s to lower 90s along the coast.
Houston is forecast near 93 degrees.
Heat index values will climb to around 102 to 107 degrees.
A few showers and thunderstorms will develop along the sea breeze during the afternoon, mainly near and south of I-10. Most neighborhoods farther inland stay dry.
Even without a Heat Advisory, the combination of heat and humidity can still become dangerous during extended outdoor activities.
Tuesday brings another mostly hot and humid day.
Highs reach the mid to upper 90s inland, with Houston near 95 degrees. Heat index values could reach 103 to 108 degrees.
Rain chances remain fairly low, with isolated to scattered afternoon showers and storms again favoring areas near and south of I-10.
More tropical moisture returns Wednesday.
That should lead to a better chance for scattered thunderstorms, with rain chances around 50% in Houston.
With deeper moisture in place, some storms could produce locally heavy downpours capable of dropping a quick inch or two of rain.
Daily storm chances continue through the rest of the week.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature values are expected to reach the upper 80s to lower 90s at times this week.
That means moderate to high heat stress remains possible, especially for people doing strenuous outdoor work or exercise for extended periods.
The Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf are quiet, with no tropical development expected over the next seven days.
The bigger tropical story is in the Central Pacific.
Hurricane Lowell is a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and is approaching the western Hawaiian Islands.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauai County, including Kauai and Niihau.
Lowell is expected to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands Monday night.
Potential impacts include hurricane-force wind gusts, flash flooding, mudslides, dangerous surf and storm surge.
Kauai could receive 6 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 14 inches. Several tornadoes are also possible near Kauai and Niihau Monday afternoon through Monday night.
There’s a familiar face returning to Houston weather.There’s a familiar face returning to Houston weather.KPRC 2 is welcoming meteorologist Collin Myers to our weather team, bringing him back to a city, and a forecast, he already knows well.Recommended VideosCollin previously worked in Houston, where he covered tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and tropical weather, including Tropical Storm Imelda. After spending the past five years forecasting in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, he says he...
There’s a familiar face returning to Houston weather.
KPRC 2 is welcoming meteorologist Collin Myers to our weather team, bringing him back to a city, and a forecast, he already knows well.
Recommended Videos
Collin previously worked in Houston, where he covered tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and tropical weather, including Tropical Storm Imelda. After spending the past five years forecasting in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, he says he and his family are excited to return to Houston and make it home again.
And when it comes to severe weather, Collin has seen plenty of it.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Collin studied aerospace engineering, meteorology, and advanced theoretical physics. While living in Oklahoma, he experienced the devastating 2013 Moore EF5 tornado-an event that reinforced his commitment to television weather and the importance of providing clear, accurate information when lives may be at risk.
He’s also an experienced storm chaser who has documented 14 tornadoes.
During his previous time in Houston, Collin worked at KTRK and KRIV. He then spent five years in Dallas–Fort Worth, forecasting and anchoring through severe weather, tornadoes, and major winter storms, with stops at CBS Dallas–Fort Worth and WFAA.
But there’s much more to Collin than weather maps and storm tracks.
He and his wife have two children, with another baby on the way—and somehow still have room at home for four dogs. When he’s not watching the skies, you’ll likely find him spending time with his family, following the NFL, at the gym, cooking, or enjoying the outdoors.
For Collin, joining KPRC 2 isn’t simply another move in his career. It’s a return to a community he already knows and a place his family is ready to call home again.
Welcome back to Houston, Collin- and welcome to KPRC 2!
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On Sept. 5, the No. 23 Houston Cougars were able to secure the win against Oregon State in their season opener, 33-20.Players like quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Amare Thomas and running back Makhi Hughes had a big impact on this game.However, Houston faces a major concern it must address before the next week of college football starts.The SecondaryOn paper, Houston's secondary looks like one of the best in the Big 12 Conference. Some of the defensive backs are on a preseason award watch list or have ...
On Sept. 5, the No. 23 Houston Cougars were able to secure the win against Oregon State in their season opener, 33-20.
Players like quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Amare Thomas and running back Makhi Hughes had a big impact on this game.
However, Houston faces a major concern it must address before the next week of college football starts.
On paper, Houston's secondary looks like one of the best in the Big 12 Conference. Some of the defensive backs are on a preseason award watch list or have received some national recognition, such as Will James being on the Bronco Nagurski Award watch list.
Additionally, in the game, defensive back Javion White sacked Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson, which ultimately sealed the game for the Cougars.
The Beavers ran 25 times for only 26 yards, meaning Houston was locking it down in the running game. However, the Cougars still allowed big plays.
The first came when Atkinson threw a pass to true freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree for 71 yards. No Houston defender was near the area where Legree was when he caught the ball. Legree finished with five catches for 136 yards and a touchdown.
Atkinson later threw a 28-yard pass to freshman wide receiver Cynai Thomas to get the Beavers off their own six-yard line. The Beavers' quarterback finished 29 of 48 with 376 passing yards and a touchdown.
On top of that, Houston missed multiple tackles throughout the game that kept Oregon State's drives alive. Head coach Willie Fritz addressed Houston's secondary problems during the postgame press conference.
"I thought our tackling wasn't real crisp," Fritz said. "There were some simple pass concepts, route concepts, that we didn't do a very good job of covering and denying."
Houston's secondary did some good things, like denying the Beavers three times on fourth down and totaling 10 passes defended. However, that unit needs to improve quickly before facing teams that are more talented than Oregon State.
Next week, Houston plays Southern, which could be a good game for the secondary to get in rhythm with the rest of the defense. However, after that game, the Cougars have to go to Lubbock, Texas, to play Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have a better overall team than the Beavers and present a harder challenge for the secondary. Fritz and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong need to find a way to improve the secondary and make it play as a unit.
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MICAH CLAY
Micah Clay is a staff writer for the Houston Cougars on SI. He is currently a freshman at the University of Houston and majoring in Sports Administration. He also works for The Cougar organization. You can find Clay on his Instagram(@mcjosh_btw_podcast)
Houston is a Week 1 winner after outlasting Oregon State, the rain, and the extreme late-summer heat in a 33-20 win at TDECU Stadium.The conditions weren't ideal on the Gulf Coast, and neither was the Cougars' execution in certain aspects.With that said, Houston came away with more to be happy about than not.Houston Made it Clear The Run Game Will Be a Big AssetRe'Shaun Sanford II broke through an offensive malaise for Houston in the first half with a 56-yard touchdown run. He and Makhi Hughes dominated on the g...
Houston is a Week 1 winner after outlasting Oregon State, the rain, and the extreme late-summer heat in a 33-20 win at TDECU Stadium.
The conditions weren't ideal on the Gulf Coast, and neither was the Cougars' execution in certain aspects.
With that said, Houston came away with more to be happy about than not.
Re'Shaun Sanford II broke through an offensive malaise for Houston in the first half with a 56-yard touchdown run. He and Makhi Hughes dominated on the ground to the tune of 6.8 and 5.8 yards per carry, respectively, and led the charge for a 228-yard rushing showing for the Cougars' run game.
It's clear that the interior offensive line additions of left guard Shadre Hurst and center Anthony Boswell will boost their efforts. Sanford and Hughes bring differing styles but do their best work running up the middle, and that was on full display against the Beavers.
Texas Tech will be a much bigger test in Week 3. Between Will linebacker Ben Roberts and tackles Mateen Ibirogba and A.J. Holmes, the latter formerly of UH, how this running back room and the protection in front of it will be.
The early returns were astounding, though.
There are no questions about Conner Weigman under and behind center. Weigman showed toughness in and out of the pocket, and he looked motivated to do as much as possible to get the Coogs over the top.
Weigman earned the praise of Houston head coach Willie Fritz, who bluntly stated postgame that he thought the quarterback "did a pretty darn good job today."
While Weigman did throw an interception, it was tipped at the goal line.
In his final year of eligibility, Weigman looks poised to give this program everything he's got. Over 330 all-purpose yards is a pretty convincing case in the opening game.
Tackling wasn't, as Fritz said, "crisp" against Oregon State. Overall, the defense was somewhat lackluster, giving up 20 points to a squad they were expected to pummel. The secondary was the clear weak spot, though.
The secondary may have been exposed by a very game Braden Atkinson, though more so by Beaver's receivers' routes. Fritz noted that coverage couldn't deny even simple routes.
With how well the pass rush generated pressure and the run defense slowed Oregon State to a halt, giving up just 26 rushing yards, the secondary stuck out like a sore thumb.
The talent in the room is obvious, however, so there should be a clear solution.
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NewsWant to try Houston TX’s spiciest flavour? You’ll need to sign a waiver firstHouston TX Hot Chicken is venturing out of the United States for the very first time. For the last six years, hardcore Americans have been taking on the chicken chain’s ultra, ultra spicy offerings. Now, it’s our turn.Two weeks ago, the brand revealed that it would be making its UK debut with a restaurant in Stevenage. But don’t worry, a London restaurant won’t be far behind. The capital’s v...
News
Want to try Houston TX’s spiciest flavour? You’ll need to sign a waiver first
Houston TX Hot Chicken is venturing out of the United States for the very first time. For the last six years, hardcore Americans have been taking on the chicken chain’s ultra, ultra spicy offerings. Now, it’s our turn.
Two weeks ago, the brand revealed that it would be making its UK debut with a restaurant in Stevenage. But don’t worry, a London restaurant won’t be far behind. The capital’s very first Houston Hot Chicken will open at the Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury this winter, just a few weeks after its branch in Stevenage opens.
Houston TX serves up hot chicken tenders, nuggets, waffles or chicken sandwiches at various spice levels. Finally, brave Londoners will have a chance to take on the infamous ‘Houston, We Have A Problem Sauce’ which is made from a blend of Carolina Reaper and Scorpion pepper powders and reaches two million on the Scoville scale. Not sure what that measurement means? Well, let’s just say that before you try the sauce, you’re legally required to sign a waiver to acknowledge the extreme physical risk and intense heat.
Thankfully, you don’t have to set your tastebuds on fire in order to enjoy Houston TX Hot Chicken. The brand has several other flavours that range from the spice-less honey butter to the mild buffalo sauce to the more fiery ‘Lift-Off’ (which at 600,000 on the Scoville scale is the second spiciest on offer). Sides on the menu include mac and cheese, chicken tortilla soup, pickles and fries. And you can cool your mouth down with house milkshakes (waffle, vanilla, strawberry or chocolate flavoured) or house lemonades (strawberry hibiscus, blueberry lavender or cucumber watermelon).
Since the brand’s European franchise was acquired by Pizza Express, it has revealed ambitions to open a total of 50 restaurants in the UK over the next three years. A third British branch is earmarked for 2026, but its location is still under wraps.
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