Texans vs. Buccaneers: Week 3 staff predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) celebrates with wide receiver Cecil Shorts (18) after catching a touchdown in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the Texans 24-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
Prediction: Jameis Winston is legit. Don’t let narrative fool you. The kid can play. Whether or not it happens right away or in a few years, Jameis Winston will be a playoff quarterback. His offensive line is worrisome, but he has two play makers to work with on Sunday.
Vincent Jackson is aging and hasn’t looked the same in the past 20 games, but is still a threat given his size. The bigger concern defensively is Mike Evans. He is capable of posting elite wide receiver numbers and needs to be the vocal point defensively for the week. Luckily the Texans won’t be facing Austin Seferian-Jenkins because they haven’t been able to control Travis Kelce or Greg Olsen. I think the defense has a great game and will put the Texans in positive field position all game long.
Offensively the Texans are possibly the worst in the league without Arian Foster. There is a solid chance Arian suits up this week but I bet it will be in limited action in Arian Foster terms. Expect about 13-17 carries if he plays.
DeAndre Hopkins will continue to dominate targets and has a great matchup against a weak secondary featuring D.J. Swearinger. The biggest storyline remains is the quarterback situation, which quite frankly got worst last week. Brian Hoyer needs to be the quarterback. I doubt Bill O’Brien switches back in the very near future but a switch is likely before the season ends. Playing at home against a bad team results in a win.
Final Score: Houston 21, Tampa Bay 14
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