Texans, Not Vikings, Are One Dimensional
Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the third quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings – Houston Texans matchup was a mix bag of what I predicted.
What I got wrong:
- Christian Ponder made plays through the air, finding multiple receivers
- Adrian Peterson had a decent game
- The Texans lost
What I got right:
- Linebacker Brooks Reed helped stuff Peterson to 100 yard less game
- Kyle Rudolph was a threat, record a touchdown on 3 receptions for 39 yards.
- The Texans need better receivers
The Minnesota Vikings dominated the game from the get go. Running back Arian Foster was stuffed early, leading to Schaub having a less than spectacular passing game. The Texans thrive too much on the run, without it, they are inept. They did however focus too much on Peterson which lead to Christian Ponder throwing the ball to multiple receivers. However, it was the right call. Peterson is too much of a threat to not game plan completely against him. Kicker Blair Walsh is the true “Legatron” this season, being 9/9 on 50+ yard field goals as a rookie.
The defense was not to blame on Sunday, it was actually the stagnant offense. If the run game does not exist, Quarterback Matt Schaub cannot function. The only hope is that the Texans defense can allow more offensive opportunities for Schaub. Yet Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels cannot do it alone. At this point, the Texans may be in the playoffs, but someone needs to step it up for the O.
– Antonio Furgiuele