Houston Texans: Pre-training camp staff season predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) rolls out of the pocket against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
September;
Kansas City, at Carolina, Tampa Bay
Prediction: The Texans defense will be on display week 1 against Kansas City. They should fight ahead by a 7 to 10 point lead, and the defensive unit will hold it for the victory. Carolina will present a tougher challenge with Cam Newton at the Helm. It will be a tough fought battle, but I see the Texans falling by a single score, whether it is a touchdown or field goal. Even with the addition of Jameis Winston, I don’t see the Bucs as a huge threat; the Texans should put them away by a few scores, with the defense shining once again.
Record for the month: 2-1
October;
at Atlanta, Indianapolis, at Jacksonville, at Miami
Prediction: Atlanta is still on the rebound from back to back disappointing years. Their offense is always a threat to get in the endzone, but with their lack of defense the Texans should outmatch them to win by two scores. Indianapolis comes to Houston for their first matchup, and it will be the first time we see Andre Johnson in blue and white. He will be out to prove Houston’s staff wrong, and will put up a career day in front of his old fans. Indianapolis wins by two scores. While Jacksonville did improve this offseason with key additions like Julius Thomas at tight end, they still lack the overall team talent to keep up with Houston. J.J. Watt will once again wreak havoc and will make Blake Bortles have nightmares following their contest. Miami is a definite threat with an immensely talented squad. The addition of Ndamukong Suh at nose tackle will be interesting to watch. This will be a defensive contest, with Houston prevailing on a late field goal.
Record for the month: 4-0.
Record overall: 6-1
November;
Tennessee, BYE WEEK, at Cincinnati, New York Jets, New Orleans
Prediction: While I can’t wait to see what Marcus Mariota can do in the NFL, I don’t want him to display his talents against Houston in their November matchup. This will end up being an interesting battle, with the Texans coming out on top against the weaker Titans. Cincinnati will field a talented squad as always, and being on the road presents a serious challenge for Houston. I think they will claw and scratch until the last whistle, but fall just short in Cincinnati. The New York Jets have a rejuvenated defense and have added weapons to the offensive side of the ball. Without a serious threat at Quarterback, this will be a battle of two top-tier defenses. With the Texans squad on a roll and building confidence, and being at home, they should top the Jets by at least one touchdown. New Orleans is almost in rebuild mode, with the exception of still having Drew Brees as the signal caller. His talent can carry a team to the playoffs if given the right situation during the season. With their lack of defensive prowess and the huge loss of Jimmy Graham, the Texans will come out on top by two scores.
Record for the month: 3-1
Overall record: 9-2
December;
at Buffalo, New England, at Indianapolis, at Tennessee
Prediction: Buffalo stacked their team in the offseason, from the coaching staff to the players. They will be looking for revenge against a Texans team that handed them a devastating loss in 2014. I don’t foresee another spectacular eighty yard interception return for a touchdown by all-world defensive end, J.J. Watt. The Texans fall in Buffalo by ten points. Nobody wants to see a successful New England season, but with Tom Brady at the helm they will be perennial contenders. The Texans’ defensive unit is uber-talented, but they won’t be able to keep with the Patriots offensive attack. New England wins by fourteen. Indianapolis at home, the most dreaded words to any Texans fan. The Texans have never won a matchup against Indianapolis at home, but I believe this may be the year they finally take one. The Texans win a squeaker on a last minute field goal. The surprise turnaround Titans squad has just come off of a huge upset against New England, and they will ride that momentum to carry them to their first victory against Houston since December of 2013.
Record for the month: 1-3
Overall record: 10-5
January;
Jacksonville
Prediction: The Texans come off a disappointing loss to Tennessee and take out their frustrations on another weak Jacksonville team. They win in a blowout, and J.J. Watt records the sack to break the NFL record for most sacks in a single season held by Michael Strahan.
Record for the month: 1-0
Overall Record 11-5