Texans meet their progenitors for another AFC South Matchup, who walks away 2-0?
Sep 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks to pass during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans
Coming home after the big game Monday night, the Texans are feeling rather good about their chances this week. There are some concerns with JJ Watt (quadricep) being less then 100% among other bumps and bruises that go with an NFL game. However, Houston is otherwise all systems go and ready to host the team that made their existence a reality. The fans will be out in force to let Bud Adams know just how much we appreciate his betrayal, even now some 16 seasons later. Some wounds never heal. All of this is just fuel for the players in search of a 2-0 record.
The running game is the focal point of the offense, and while the media tried to make much hay of Arian Foster’s frustration of not being in the game as much last week I merely saw a hungry player wanting to be out there. More interesting will be the passing game, just how many players not wearing #80 will get passes thrown their way. Don’t misunderstand, Andre Johnson is a beast and if that’s what it takes to win then by all means. However the team runs at it’s peak when the defense doesn’t know whether a run is coming or whose getting the pass. Fortunately even when it’s obvious to all Johnson still manages to produce catches.
Defensively, Houston needs to start off dominating from the word go, not 21 points down and well into the third quarter before slamming the door. This week shouldn’t be the abysmal first half that the San Diego was what with the lesson therein learned and the return of Antonio Smith fresh from his three game suspension. This should create more opportunities to ruin the Titans game plan as well as making the double team of JJ Watt to be counter productive. Joe Mays was very effective last week in stopping the run and his services will be likely called on a lot Sunday after noon.
In the end, it shouldn’t matter as Tennessee flies home with a 1-1-0 record and Bud Adams reminded that he brought the Texans on himself by taking our Oilers and running way. Houston will have a good night to celebrate a win over a rival AFC South team then focus on the reigning world champion Baltimore Ravens. Ed Reed’s insights will prove most useful as Houston looks to their next challenge on the march to the Playoffs.
Titans 17, Texans 34
As always, all predictions are WAGS, and as last week can attest too, I called the win. That’s about all I got right. Still, any bets made based on this prediction are the sole responsibility of the bettor and thus if you lose money, pride or find yourself on Youtube because of this… that’s on you friend.
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