Texans vs. Panthers: Behind enemy (side)lines part 2
By Randy Gurzi
Well earlier today I shared part of my conversation with Chris Schafer of Cat Crave, where he answered some of my questions about the Houston Texans upcoming opponent. Schafer had some confidence in his team and predicted the Carolina Panthers would walk away with a lopsided win.
Now it is my turn to answer his questions and share my take on the outcome of Sunday’s matchup.
CS: A quarterback change in the second week of the year. Why? Is this good for the team, or mess with the chemistry?
"RG: I think anyone who has followed the career trajectory of Brian Hoyer knows why he was replaced. What is hard to answer is why he ever started in the first place. He simply isn’t very good. At all.So yes, I think this is good for the team and as far as chemistry goes, I think the whole team prefers the guy with upside, youth and arm strength all on his side."
CS: Will Watt be able to rush Cam Newton and stop the running game and passing game of the Panthers?
"RG: Well Vince Wilfork and Jadeveon Clowney were supposed to help there right? They were both non-factors Week 1, so the Texans may have to rely on J.J. Watt all day again…sound like last year?He will make his plays, but Cam Newton is much harder to corral than Alex Smith who he took down for two sacks, so I don’t think he dominates it."
CS: Who is the offensive weapon that will be the biggest threat?
"RG: The obvious would be DeAndre Hopkins at receiver, but look out for his counterpart Nate Washington who quietly notched over 100 yards last game. For his career he averages around 16 yards a catch and gets forgotten about a lot despite his consistency.If Carolina focuses on Hopkins too much, look for Nate to find some open spots deep."
CS: What type of impact will Clowney have in the game and will his impact have anything to do with him being a local boy?
"RG: I am at the point that I will expect something from Jadeveon Clowney after he proves he can do it. Injuries aside, he has done the least you could possibly do with his immense talent.If he is able to show up for a game close to his hometown that may be a sign that his effort wasn’t there all the other games he was nearly invisible."
CS: Final score and why?
"RG: This is a game I could see Houston dropping had Hoyer come back out. With Ryan Mallett being named starter I believe the offense will put some points up and be more effective.On the flip side Houston’s defense can zero in on the run as Carolina will struggle until someone (hello Devin Funchess) emerges as a receiving threat.I predict 27-13 Houston wins behind a solid game by Mallett and a big defensive effort for the Texans."