Facing an old friend: Playoff possibility #2, Texans vs. Jets

If the Houston Texans and New York Jets wind up facing each other in the playoffs, the team would face an old friend in Ryan Fitzpatrick

The New York Jets (10-5) currently own the sixth seed in the AFC and would face the Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) who own the third seed. After Sunday’s Week 17 finale, it wouldn’t be too wild to imagine the Jets coming back to Houston in the post season.

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On November 22, the Jets made that same trip to face the Texans, who were starting T.J. Yates at quarterback due to an injury to starter Brian Hoyer. The result was a close game that Houston won by a score of 24-17.

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Former Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter now for the Jets and his play was shaky in his return to Houston. The bearded one completed 19-of-39 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown through the air and one on the ground, but he threw two interceptions that were costly for the Jets.

The Texans offense was a smoke-and-mirror effort as Yates completed just 16-of-34 passes but managed 229 yards and two scores. The most important stat was that he threw no interceptions, although he did lose one fumble.

The Texans played some tricks on the Jets as used receiver Cecil Shorts III in the wildcat as a quarterback. Shorts ran for 26 yards and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Alfred Blue as well.

If there is a rematch, the Texans should be at full strength with Hoyer back under center. The defense would have similar luck if Fitzpatrick were to return, but the offense would be vastly improved with a more efficient quarterback.

For head coach Bill O’Brien, this could help silence critics who thought he should have kept the bearded wonder and never acquired Hoyer. Sending Fitzy and company home, while watching Hoyer prepare for the second round would be a sweet bonus on top of the first postseason victory for the coach.

Next: Redemption Story: Playoff possibility #1, Texans vs. Chiefs

Texans fans should be happy if fate would have it that an old friend in Fitzpatrick were to come marching in to Houston next weekend for a playoff date. This would be a winnable game should the Texans simply execute their game plan.