Texans vs. Raiders: This Game Is Huuuge!
By Bob Dove
Texans Vs. Raiders is an opportunity for the Houston team to redefine who they are.
The Raiders are a quality opponent–at7-2 they are tied for their division lead in the AFC West, arguably the best division in the NFL. They rank 5th in total offense, 6th in passing offense, 4th running the ball. While they rank 28th in overall defense including 30th against the pass and 21st against the run, the defense is talented and improving week by week after a disastrous first month and a half. The Raiders are media darlings.
Furthermore, this game is played away from NRG Stadium. Technically it’s a road game, although the Mexico City crowd will include lots of Texans fans. Even if it is a neutral site, it can, at least, show the Texans are not totally dependent upon NRG and its boisterous fans.
Finally, against a quality opponent and away from home, it gives the Texans a chance to awaken a passing game worthy of the preseason hype. 99 yards won’t do it. Dink and dunk won’t do it. This is squarely on the shoulders of Brock Osweiler, DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Braxton Miller and , especially, Bill O’Brien.
The mantra is “Houston can’t beat elite teams”, “Houston can’t win on the road”, the Texans can’t pass the ball”. The facts are that the Raiders are an elite team, the game is on the road, and Houston must effectively pass the ball to win the game.
If Houston wins the mantra is erased and the team is reinvented. If they don’t the writing is on the wall. Struggle for the playoffs, one and done at best, wait until next year. A loss to the Raiders, especially a decisive loss, might be enough to turn a fan to the Rockets. The Rockets may not always win, but at least they let it fly.