Sep 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) plays during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Redskins 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday starts a new chapter in the 2014 season for your Houston Texans. The first game of Ryan Mallett’s career. He’ll be taking over a team struggling to be consistent on offense and there is a high likelihood the most consistent member of the offense will not be on the field. With Arian Foster sidelined with a groin strain during the Eagles game two weeks ago Alfred Blue will most likely get the nod to start. So what can we expect from the Texans?
1. Tight Ends make their presence known.
They’ve been missing in action pretty much the entire season despite playing for a man known to favor a tight end heavy offense. This game is likely to be hampered by cold, snow and winds. For a quarterback who prepared to play for the New England Patriots the services of Garrett Graham might just be in high demand. With Foster probably sidelined the Texans will have to stick to short passes more often then not.
2. Linebackers back in action.
Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing will return to action together against the Browns. This is excellent news especially if both are more near full health rather then hobbled by knee issues. The field conditions might cause some issues but expect them both to get a healthy amount of snaps. If the game is close expect them out there more so then not.
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3. Rising talent.
Aside the marquee “Brady Bowl Back Up” the media is focused on with former Patriot backs up Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett, there are a few others set to take the field worth watching. Alfred Blue; Likely starting in place of Arian Foster. C.J. Fiedrowicz; he hasn’t been targeted more then a few times, with Mallett under center he’s got a chance to shine in the passing game. Max Bullough; signed from the practice squad during the bye week and replacing recent acquisition Zac Diles, Bullough showed a lot of promise during the preseason now he gets a chance to take it to the next level.
Yes, I will be watching Mallett closely but with adverse weather and a missing Foster the game is likely to be won by which team is more physical and which young players step up to the plate. That’s where this one will be won or lost. The Texans might be the underdogs both due to their record and being a dome team playing in the cold, don’t let that deter you. The Texans have won in worse conditions, just ask the Bears.
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