The Texans – Patriots matchup was supposed to be one of the greatest match ups on paper. The best the AFC has to offer with two teams fighting for first place in the conference. The game was all but great as Tom Brady blew out the Texans 28-0 in the first half alone.

The Texans got off hot as they had running back Arian Foster  gashing the Patriots defense early on the run. Yet an early Patriots timeout proved effective as Foster was held to 46 yards on 15 carries, the same as Ben Tate in garbage time. Matt Schuab on the other hand was game planned to throw early and often, which proved ineffective against a stingy defense. Schaub completed less than 60% of his passes for 232 yards and an interception.

Part of the reason for Schaub’s lack of play is his lack of talent in the passing game, with Foster being his second highest receiver for the game. A few players had big plays,such as Lestar Jean and James Casey, but they were unable as a group to give Schaub a reliable target outside of Andre Johnson.

The Texans defense was also playing below average as Tom Brady exposed their weakness in the passing game. Brady had worked all week with his defensive linemen holding white paddles to simulate J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith swatting the ball at the line of scrimmage. Brady was able to spread the ball around and over defensive linemen hands to record four touchdowns to 3 different receivers, Brandon Lloyd, Donte’ Stallworth and Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez proved most effective as he was often matched up against linebackers who are experiencing turmoil due to injuries.

The Patriots defense was playing together as a playoff team should, which was very reminiscent of how the Texans defense has played all year. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork swatted three passes from the line, as Watt usually would, and held the running game to less 100 yards before reserves were put in.

With a loss today the Texans remain the top dog in the AFC South, but things can only get harder from here as the Patriots and Denver Broncos are only one game back. Other teams such as the Ravens and Colts may also make a run for the number one or two seed for a first round bye.

Next stop for the Texans is to host the Colts at home. With a win, the Texans will clinch the division and have an easier time clinching a first round bye. With a loss the Texans may spiral out of control and my end up with only a wild card spot. The Texans in the mean time need to watch film and correct their mistakes as they playoffs have no room for a team like Monday night.

- Antonio Furgiuele

The Texans current roster sports Andre Johnson as the only consistently productive receiver at the age of 31. Also at 31 but much less productive is Kevin Walter who will become a free agent in 2015. Also on the depth chart and lower on the stat sheet are Lester Jean, Keshawn Martin and DeVeir Posey who have had minimal contributions and may have to fight for roster spots in the coming year.

While the Texans are currently sitting pretty at the top of the AFC at 11-1 with a wildcard secured, its always a good idea to look forward and plan how you team will evolve and grow for next season. By securing the wildcard they will have a pick at 21 or higher, but most mock drafts have them projected as the Superbowl favorite at pick 32.

That is why in this years 2013 draft, Wide Receiver Tavon Austin should be taken by the Texans. Austin provides a versatile talent who played running back at high school and receiver at West Virginia. While Austin is a smaller player at 5’9”, 172lbs, other players such as Wes Welker, Desean Jackson and Percy Harvin were all deemed undersized; and each has experienced success. Putting on weight will be recommend for him as the NFL’s linebackers are much heavier than their college counterparts. With Austin on the squad he should give the team a fresh talent at a position thats been lacking play for many years.

Check out the Mock Draft here.

- Antonio Furgiuele

Connor Barwin and Antonio Smith letterman jackets credit to HoustonTexans.com

The Steelers have the Terrible Towel, the Seahawks have the 12th man, and now the Texans have High school style Letterman jackets. The Houston Texans arrived in New England today, Sunday December 9th, sporting their new jackets in what makes the team look and feel more united.

Texans nose tackle Shaun Cody and linebacker Connor Barwin proposed the idea for Letterman jackets to equipment personnel, and were able to acquire them this past Friday. The jackets themselves are appealing and bring a sense of pride and unity to the team, which reminds the young and old of their days in school with friends and teammates. This is especially important to the Texans as they are the youngest team in the NFL. While the Texans are in a big market, they must compete against the long standing Cowboys who hold the title of, “America’s Team”, even if that ship has all but sailed. The Cowboys continue to have a huge following outside of Texas, so competing is that much more difficult.

While Cody and Barwin may not have intentionally thought that these jackets would help increase exposure and generate a bigger fan base, they have and it was a big off the field play. It wouldn’t surprise me now if the other 31 teams start making these jackets now if they haven’t already. It is after all a copy cat league.

- Antonio Furgiuele