A broken Texans team implodes in loss to Steelers on MNF.
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks on after a turnover against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Are the Houston Texans a broken team? Tonight we watched in glorious hope as the Texans came out like a team on a mission. The 1st quarter, bane of the Texans for 5 out of 6 games was all about goodness. Sadly, that first quarter that saw Whitney Mercilus sack Ben Roethlisberger, with the offense clicking there was good cheer in the Lone Star State. Then the implosion began and it was like the 2013 season all rolled up into one quarter. With 7:20 seconds left in the second quarter, the Texans had a 13-0 lead. Everything, was going their way.
Then Big Ben tossed a short little pass to Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers caught fire. First a field gold, 3:13 left in the game. The Texans offense officially ground to a halt for most of the game after going 4 and out on their ensuing possession. The Steelers get the ball back and take 19 seconds off the clock to go 63 yards and score a touchdown. The Texans get the ball on the 5 yard line, manage one yard then Arian Foster coughs up the ball. Yep, Steelers score again on the very next play. The Texans were up 13-0 at 3:14 seconds left in the game. By the 1:10 mark the Steelers were sitting on a 17-13 lead. In a moment one could not sell to Hollywood a script the Texans come out with 1:03 on the clock and Fitzpatrick gives up an interception which the Steelers quickly into another quick score. End of the half 24-13.
The Third quarter was a mess. Period. The Texans had, prior to tonight come out in the third quarter and made the proper adjustments to be competitive. The Texans failed to score the entire 3rd quarter. Punt, punt and fail to get anything going. The worst part is the Texans actually pulled off another fake punt, this time with Alfred Blue running behind a great a blocking wedge to convert the first down. Alas, this effort was wasted as the Texans had to punt it away. The saving grace was the Texans defense held the Steelers scoreless through the quarter.
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Then the dagger came, in the 4th quarter. The Texans managed to get a field goal to bring the game in close with a field goal bringing the score to 16-24. However the Steelers answered back with their own field goal. The Texans tried to get something going but DeAndre Hopkins was stripped after a beautiful 32 yard catch. Pittsburgh scored again on a field goal. 16-30 Steelers. Houston get’s the ball back, drives down the field and scores on a pass to Arian Foster. J.J. Watt was in as an eligible receiver but was not targeted. With the score 23-30 with 1:31 to go the Texans attempt an on side kick. Despite the ball bouncing around like an oiled piglet the Steelers managed to come up with it and win the game.
It was a painful game for Texans faithful to watch. Fans are starting to wonder if 2014 will be 2013 with an extra win. The team cannot seem to put together four solid quarters of play. Aside the win over the winless Raiders, the Texans have looked incoherent on offense and defensively just bad. Which is odd considering the number of turn overs the Texans defense has so far this season. Nine force fumbles and six interceptions! They have the best player in the league in J.J. Watt but he cannot do it all. Getting beat deep, unable to stop short passes in all phases aside what Watt does the Texans cannot get it together. While some players like Mercilus and Reed show flashes without a consistent threat opposite Watt opposing offenses just double team Watt and let it rip. Yes, they have forced some timely turn overs. You don’t game plan around “play just good enough to let the defense win it.”
It’s time to face reality, the Texans are broken. I don’t have the answer as to why that is. Having a quarterback that can threaten teams down the field with regularity would help. Right now the offense is Arian Foster and Andre Johnson with a supporting role by DeAndre Hopkins. For defenses going against the Texans the game plan is simple. Guard Andre, do your best to stuff Foster and pressure Fitzpatrick for the win. The Texans need a confidence boost, because right now they are doing the equivalent of banging their collective heads against the brick wall of failure hoping it doesn’t hurt this time.
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