Houston Texans

Adding a veteran wide-out in free agency would have been a huge help, but what do I know?

Houston Texans

For the past few years the pundits and experts have picked the Houston Texans as their pre-season "dark horse" in the AFC playoff race and every year the Texans have fallen short of those predictions. Matt Schaub took a giant leap forward in '09, playing 16 games and finally proving his durability and his worthiness of his contract. With 29 touchdowns, Schaub has the ability to lead a high-powered Texan offense that just re-upped with Andre Johnson, arguably the best receiver in the NFL. They drafted running back Ben Tate out of Auburn to provide a change of pace from lead back Steve Slaton, who only managed 437 yards last season. A healthy Owen Daniels at tight end means the Texan offense will be a force to be reckoned with.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: AFC South"

We'll see how that plays out in two weeks.

(9-7) Houston Texans 34 
(10-6) New England Patriots 27

The biggest injury of the weekend is clearly the loss of Wes Welker for the Pats. For those of you screaming that Belichick shouldn't have been playing his starters, Welker was injured on the first drive of the game without being contacted. It could have happened warming up. His loss will leave QB Tom Brady without his favorite receiver and plenty of double coverage for Randy Moss. For the Texans, congratulations are due for the first winning season in franchise history, but they couldn't sneak into the playoffs. Regardless, QB Matt Schaub, who led the league in passing yards, gives them hope for the immediate future.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 17"

Maybe you shouldn't have lost five straight?

(10-5) New England Patriots at (8-7) Houston Texans

If the Texans are going to make their first ever playoffs, they need losses from two of the following three teams: the Jets, Ravens, or Broncos. Matt Schaub has taken great strides to become a top signal-caller this season and he'll be staring at a weak New England secondary today.  The real question is how long the Patriots will feel like playing. Tom Brady says he expects to play the entire game, but I'm not convinced. Perhaps a half, but anything beyond that would be foolish. Bill Belichick's Pats aren't playing for anything other than the 3 or 4 seed, so unless they prefer to play San Diego I don't envision more than a half for Brady, Welker and Moss. Houston should get the win unless Belichick has a second coach-fart this season. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 17"

themselves too big a hole of which to climb out.

 
Was it too little too late?

(8-7) Houston Texans 27
(7-8) Miami Dolphins 20

Jumping out to a 27-3 first half lead, the Texans dropped their guard and let the Dolphins rally in the second half. Chad Henne went for over 300 yards passing, but he doesn't have enough weapons to overcome such a deficit. Even if the Texans don't make the playoffs, they have a chance for the first winning record in franchise history. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 16"

On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

(7-7) Houston Texans at (7-7) Miami Dolphins

With six 7-7 teams hoping to get a shot at two wildcard slots, this contest will definitely crush one team's playoff dreams. Houston hasn't had a winning season in their short franchise history, much less a playoff berth. Needless to say, the Texans have plenty to play for. (As does their coach, who will likely not return if one of those two goals are not met.) Miami won't catch New England to repeat as AFC East champs, but they could make noise in the playoffs if they can claw their way in. Chad Henne gives them hope for the future as well as the present. I have an urge to take the Texans for the win.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

I don’t expect it will be close for long.

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) at Houston Texans (5-5)

It may not important for the Colts, but this game is paramount for any chance of a Texans appearance in the postseason. With Jacksonville climbing past them last weekend, Gary Kubiak’s squad is losing pace in the AFC wild card race. Standing in their way is Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: week 12"

(5-3) Houston Texans at (7-0) Indianapolis Colts

This is without question the best Texans squad in the franchise’s short history. With a solid pass rush and effective ground attack, the Texans are designed to beat the Colts. Still, I’ll believe they can beat them in Indy when I see it, not before. Peyton Manning is at the top of the NFL quarterback heap yet again, but he’ll need his defense to hold up down the stretch to make it to another Super Bowl. Now that former defensive player of the year and safety Bob Sanders is out for the season with a torn biceps, that D won’t have any room for mistakes.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

Troy Polamalu is all the difference in the Pittsburgh D.

Great shot.  

(4-3) Houston Texans 24
(3-3) San Francisco 49ers 21 

Well, they almost blew it, but the Texans held onto the victory to get over .500 this season. In an AFC south with the inconsistent Jaguars and winless Titans, the Texans could make a strong showing for second and a winning record. Meanwhile, over in San Fran, the Niners have lost three straight. They benched Shaun Hill at halftime and brought in former number one pick Alex Smith, who tossed three TD’s to Vernon Davis (who is a beast) to close the gap. Smith will start next week. Also a storyline was Michael Crabtree’s insertion into the starting line-up, catching five passes for 56 yards. It may not sound like a lot, but for someone that has only been with the team a few weeks, it’s impressive.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

oot injury, this has potential to turn into a shoot-out. 

(3-2) San Francisco 49ers at (3-3) Houston Texans 

Houston could turn some heads if their second straight victory comes at the expense of the hard-nosed Niners. Singletary’s group should be fuming after their horrid loss to the Falcons two weeks ago. Still, I can’t get too excited about these teams. Both have too many issues to be legitimate contenders. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

The Final Drive of week six starts right now! 

(3-3) Houston Texans 28
(4-2) Cincinnati Bengals 17 

Every once in a while, Houston goes ballistic and puts up mega-points. Matt Schaub once again proves he’s a fantastic fantasy QB… five games a season. The Bengals aren’t an elite team, so you had to expect a letdown eventually after winning four straight. Now they dropped back with Pittsburgh, who are also 4-2, but technically behind since the Bengals beat them head-to-head.  

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

his is the season he can get back on track as being one of the best QB’s in football.

(1-1) Houston Texans    31
(0-2) Tennessee Titans 24

I told you they needed this game, but that didn’t stop the Titans from giving up 357 yards passing and 4 touchdowns to Matt Schaub. After holding down the Steeler offense, Tennessee’s defense looked lost without Albert Haynesworth. Even Chris Johnson’s near 300 yards of offense couldn’t save them. Texans could be on the rise, but give it a week or two, then pass judgment.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

Expect heavy doses of both teams’ running attacks.

Just stay down Jake.

Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)

In this AFC South contest, the Titans may need a win more than any team this week. The Texans are used to being mediocre, but Jeff Fisher’s squad is coming off a season with a 13-0 start. Falling to 0-2 behind the Texans and Colts would dig them a shallow but ugly hole.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

How long can you go to him?

New York Jets 24, Houston Texans 7

Mark Sanchez sure didn’t seem like a rookie did he? Crisp passes and poise in the pocket give Jets faithful reason to be hopeful for the future and present. That intimidating defense and balanced rushing attack won’t hurt either.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

Julius Peppers in a contract year, look for double-digit sacks from the lineman.

New York Jets at Houston Texans

The storyline for the Jets is simple. They have a rookie head coach in Rex Ryan and they’re starting a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez. Houston’s lackluster defense (aside from Mario Williams of course) should be a good warm-up for Sanchez. Expect Ryan to run the ball with speedy Leon Washington, the veteran Thomas Jones, and rookie Shonn Greene. A .500 season could the best the Jets could hope for.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 1"

ve had some time to cool off, I can now address the Chicago Bears’ heart-breaking loss to the Houston Texans last Sunday. Chicago entered Sunday’s must-win contest with two possible scenarios to make it into the playoffs. If they won and Minnesota lost to the Giants, the Bears would claim the division title and host a wild-card game. If the Vikings won, the Bears could still make it in as a wild-card with losses from Dallas and Tampa Bay. Minnesota ended up beating New York with a last-second field goal, Tampa Bay ended up losing a fist-fight with the Raiders of all teams, and Dallas fell into despair thanks to the Eagles in the afternoon game. Of course, all of these possibilities required a Bears win in Houston that never happened. Lovie Smith’s crew never showed the desperation and intensity you would expect of a team fighting to make it into the post-season.  

Continue reading "Bears' Season Ends in Houston"

From Week 12 to Week 15 the Houston Texans showed great poise and determination. They started a 4-game winning streak in Cleveland in a defensive battle. Not overly impressive, but a win is a win in the National Football League. The team then dominated a displaced looking Jacksonville Jaguars team at home in the first Monday Night game in franchise history.

Continue reading "Still Important"

the week.

Overall Record: 21-19
Week 14 Record: 1-3


1) Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders

The Houston Texans were officially eliminated from the playoffs at the end of Week 15 to no surprise after the shaky first half of the season, but faded playoff hopes hasn't kept the team down the past 4 weeks as they've played tough defense and good football overall. In the last 4 weeks the Texans have defeated (in order): Browns, Jaguars, Packers, Titans. Okay the Browns and Jaguars isn't too big of a deal, but going into Lambeau and dominating the Packers and then coming home and defeating the first place team and rival the Titans? That's a statement. This should be a layup for the Texans this week as they go into Oakland to face the 3-11 Raiders. A loss would be very disappointing for a team that has won 4 straight. I take the Texans in this one as they'll win their 5th straight game (hopefully).

Continue reading "NFL Week 16 Predictions"

for the Bucs’ playoff chances after being in the driver’s seat only a few weeks ago.

Houston Texans 13, Tennessee Titans 12

A fourth-quarter decision by Titans head coach Jeff Fisher to go for it on fourth down instead of letting All-Pro Rob Bironas kick a 49 yard field goal may cost his team the number one seed in the AFC. Into the wind or not, Bironas had made four field goals already on Sunday and should have been called on to give his team the lead. Next week the Titans get a rolling Steelers squad who play the same smash-mouth type of football. Houston has surged late this season, winning their last four contests. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Steve Slaton are cornerstones of an explosive Texan offense that is no longer the laughing stock of the AFC South. With winnable games against the Raiders and Bears left on their schedule, a 9-7 record is not out of reach for Texas’ second team.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 15"

A 1-point win never seemed so mammoth.

Yesterday the Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 13-12 in front of a jam-packed crowd at Reliant Stadium. With the win the Texans evened their season record at 7-7 and recorded their first 4 game winning streak in franchise history. Playoff chances have been done for weeks, but the Texans are still playing tough and like a team with a lot on the line.

Continue reading "Not This Time"

Another week is in the books in the National Football League as we head to Week 15. But first let's take a look back at the week that was...Week 14! (my tongue is getting twisted) Several surprising outcomes this past Sunday including a few of the games I picked. I went a disappointing 1-3 in my picks. Very poor performance on my part. I'm finally realizing I'll never have a grip on the NFL. It's the most inconsistent professional sport out there. Any team can lose on any given week. But enough sulking, let's get on to this week's Fallout Report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 14 Fallout"

ckers!


Overall Record: 20-16
Last Week: 2-2


1) Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers

The Texans were impressive in their dismauling of the Jaguars on Monday Night Football. Many will put the excuse of the Jags 'mailing it in' (which is probably true), but! A win is a win is a win and for Texans fans...that was nice for a change. The Texans will travel to frigid Lambeau Field to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Game time temp is suppose to be anywhere from 10-20 degrees. Being from Houston, let me tell you something....When it's 50 outside, I think "hey this is pretty chilly!". I cannot imagine what playing in 15 degree weather feels like. I know some Texans players have prior experience in playing in the cold, but some don't. I think the Texans will get dominated in this one. Packers are going to be playing like it's a nice sunny day while the Texans are like the icicles along the bottom of the roof, just waiting until it gets warmer to melt away. With that said, Green Bay, Green Bay, Green Bay......unfortunately for Texans fans.

Continue reading "NFL Week 14 Predictions"

Week 13 is in the books as we are getting closer to the playoffs in the National Football League (still 4 weeks away, but with the way this season has flown bye, it won't be long!). Before I begin I want to apologize to my 3 readers for not keeping up with the Fallout Report. I'll have it on time (every Tuesday) from now until the playoffs. With that said, let's see how I did!

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Fallout"

Jets in this game.

Winners - New York Jets

4) Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

I bet ESPN is stoked to have this game on Monday Night Football this week. Two disappointing 4-7 teams go at it here. Listening to Houston sports talk radio this past week, the fans are still pumped for the first ever MNF game at Reliant Stadium, but it could have been so much more if the Texans could have performed better up to this point. Reliant should be filled or ESPN and management might think twice about bringing Monday Night Football back to Houston anytime soon. Onto the game, both teams have had some good games against each other. The Jaguars are the Texans only other 'real' rivalry in the AFC South. You could say the Titans since they use to be the Oilers...but the Texans have only defeated them 2-3 times. Forget about the Colts (Texans have only won once against them in their franchise). However the Texans have defeated the Jags 5-6 times in their existence. Both teams can forget about the playoffs this season. So really this game will be all about pride. I think the Texans hosting their first ever MNF game will still be pumped and I think they'll take it to the Jaguars early. I'll be a homer here and take the Texans. Do ESPN proud, Houston.

Continue reading "NFL Week 13 Predictions"

tions rock and rollin!

Overall Record: 15-13
Last Week: 3-1

1) Houston Texans @ Cleveland Browns

Two disappointments this season go at it here. The

Continue reading "NFL Week 12 Predictions"

Week 11 was one of the more interesting weeks in the NFL this season. A game ended in a 11-10 score for the first time in NFL history, a game ended in a tie and we also saw 'America's Team' get back on track with their star quarterback at the helm. I'll get to that and more as this week's Fallout report kicks off.......riiiiight now!

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Fallout"

it works out!

Overall Record: 12-12
Last Week's Record: 2-2

1) Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

To me, this is like the Cowboys/Giants game from a couple of weeks ago. No one expected the beat up Cowboys to go into Jersey and defeat the defending Super Bowl Champions. And going into this game hardly anyone thinks the Texans have a shot at beating the Colts. That's because they don't. Their not beating the Colts in Indy. This is a team thats getting healthier each week and a team that is getting hotter as the weeks progress. This should be relatively easy for the Colts as the Texans' season continues to get more disappointing.

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Predictions"

ord: 2-2

*Classic NFL Films music hits*


1) Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

Last time I checked this was a pick-em in Vegas. The Ravens rough and tough defense heads into Houston to battle the Texans at Reliant Stadium. Houston will be without starting quarterback Matt Schaub for up to a month or beyond with a torn MCL suffered in last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Back up Sage Rosenfels will get the call and before I make a prediction for this game. While I was watching the Broncos/Browns game on Thursday night. They showed a graphic for the AFC Playoff Picture and crazy enough...I saw the Texans logo! A long shot, but hey it's Week 10. Still 7 more weeks of football to be played. I'm going to go with the homer pick and pick the Texans here. If this game was being played in Baltimore, I would pick the Ravens in a heartbeat but the Texans have played good at home.

Continue reading "NFL Week 10 Predictions"

The debut of the Crypt Keeper was not a success. Two consecutive 2-2 records in the past two weeks (tongue twister yikes) keeps the overall record at .500 for the season. No worries though, I know success is on its way as the Crypt Keeper and I will go back to the drawing board to chalk up better predictions and analysis. With that said, let's see what happened in Week 9 of the NFL.

Continue reading "NFL Week 9 Fallout"

8-8
Last Week's Record: 2-2

*Classic NFL Films music hits*

1) Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings

The Texans are coming off a romp of the Cincinnati Bengals while the Vikings are fresh off a bye. A couple things that scare me being a Texans fan is Adrian Peterson and our run defense and the fact that Minnesota put up 41 points in Week 7 against a Bears defense. However the Texans have a couple things Minnesota fans can worry about: Andre Johnson and Mario Williams. Johnson has been absolutely ferocious as a receiver and Williams has been a sack master. Texans aren't a good road team and thats also a concern, but I'm picking them in this one as they'll win their 4th game in as many weeks getting them back to .500 after dropping their first four.

Continue reading "NFL Week 9 Predictions"

A week filled with late game nervousness and dominant performances. The Texans were the ones doing the prowling as they tore apart the Bengals. 'America's Team' didn't look so sharp, but they found a way to win. The NFL brought a real shootout to London (hopefully no one was hurt!) and Brett Favre didn't look good for the second consecutive week, but thankfully for the Jets, they played the Chiefs. I'll cover those games in this week's Fallout report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Fallout"

the Jets in this one.

Winners - New York Jets

3) Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans

The Texans will face a second winless team in as many weeks when they host the Bengals this Sunday at Reliant Stadium. Texans got out to an early 21-0 lead against the Lions before letting Detroit creep back in making the final score 28-21 Houston. Texans won the game, but as a fan of the team...it was quite scary toward the end. If the Lions played a decent first half along with the second half they played, we might be sitting here today talking about the Lions first victory. With that said Texans are 10 point favorites here. I've seen a few people across the web say how the Bengals will win the game. Not 'could' or 'maybe' but 'WILL'. All I have to say is good luck. Bengals have talent, they just haven't been able to have a decent chemistry this season. This is a team that just a few seasons ago was in the playoffs facing the Steelers. Carson Palmer could be out for the season. Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start. Texans' fans know that a few seasons ago Fitzpatrick made a huge comeback when he played for the Rams against the Texans. That was a tough loss. With that said I'm picking the Texans. Bengals go to a tough 0-8.

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Predictions"

Not only did the Patriots lose...they got rolled. I don't have the persona of the Houston Texans. I'm not patient. I have the persona of Jerry Jones. I've only been picking for 2 weeks going on to my third this week, but my crystal ball was already on a short leash after week 1 for picking the Texans over the Colts.

Continue reading "NFL Week 7 Predictions"

who can really tell what Gruden thinks when it comes to his quarterbacks?

Miami Dolphins (2-2) at Houston Texans (0-4)

After two tough wins against the Patriots and Chargers, the Miami Dolphins better not let their guard down. It’s a drop-off in competition, but the Texans will be looking to rebound aggressively in front of their home crowd who watched in dismay at their collapse against the Colts. Matt Schaub will be back in the starting line-up, but he has yet to earn the mega-deal he received after being traded from Atlanta. He’d best begin soon or he will find himself without a job. Miami has doubled their win total from last year through just four games, but they’re not resting on their .500 laurels. Chad Pennington and the offense are going to keep using the “single wing” formation until somebody learns how to stop them, especially if they keep winning. Joey Porter and the defense is playing lights out, holding their last two opponents to thirteen and ten points. Tony Sparano will keep his team on their toes, to make sure they don’t settle for just being an average team. I’m sure Bill Parcells will too.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Six Preview"

ots to work through still, but their defense will keep them in most games.

Indianapolis Colts 31, Houston Texans 27

Houston simply coughed up this surefire win. Peyton Manning and the Colts came back to score 21 points in the final five minutes to come out on top. Texans QB Sage Rosenfels manned up after the game, taking all of the blame for his team’s collapse. I respect that immensely, but it is also completely true. His two lost fumbles while running for first downs on two consecutive drives allowed the Colts to save their season. He even had a shot to lead his team down and take back the lead with under two minutes left, but he threw a horrible pass for an interception, ending any hope of saving face. Texan fans are rightfully distraught about their team’s home opener, as it retracts any thoughts of challenging for a playoff spot. Indy, on the other hand, breaks even at 2-2, when it could very easily be 0-4. Peyton Manning gets better each week, so all the Indy defense needs to do is hold the fort until Bob Sanders returns to the line-up.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

It was an interesting week in the National Football League. A few surprises, a big meltdown by one team and one bruised and battered team found a way to win a big prime-time game. Let's get right to it--game by game.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

Steelers are a Super Bowl caliber team by many, this will be a good test. 3) The Houston Texans horrible defense were able to stop Taylor/Jones pretty nicely last week. I think the Steelers review what the Texans did and try to copy it. 4) Three out of the last 4 Sunday Night Games the upset has won. That's right. Every Sunday Night game besides the Packers/Cowboys, the upset team has won. And I have a little superstition in me. I'm picking the Steelers in this one.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

n until either quarterback makes the defense pay for it.  

Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Houston Texans (0-3) 

 Peyton Manning and the Colts used their early bye week to de-rust their offense after three shaky outings. It should have also allowed their injured players more time to adequately heal. A healthier Dallas Clark is always welcome, though Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders probably won’t return to the line-up this week. Houston will attempt to take advantage of his absence by putting an emphasis on their running attack with rookie Steve Slaton and a returning Ahman Green. In this AFC South meeting, the Texans need to make a stand, or their season will be over after only weeks. For the Colts, it’s their chance to return to .500 and to start catching up to the division-leading Titans.  

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Five Preview"

urg Steelers – Is this team still King of its Division?  Can their OL protect Big Ben?

Houston Texans – In a division dominated by the Colts, are these young Texans ready to at least compete for a wild card spot?  Will we see an even better Mario Williams this year? If we do, we just might be looking at the best DE in the league.

Continue reading "NFL Opening Weekend = Christmas in September"

The Houston Texans were a much improved team last season, even without star wide receiver Andre Johnson playing in most of those games. They played well enough to garner their first .500 season. An accomplishment for a struggling franchise. They have helped to make the AFC South the toughest division in the AFC and although they will most likely lose all of their division games this season, they will at least put up a valiant fight. I think we are going to see an even better team then last year with the possibility of a 10-6 season. That will not be easy, but as long as they don’t do worse then .500 they will have had a good season. Lets take a look at some of the weapons the Texans will bring with them into this season.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #12: The Houston Texans"

*Editor's Note: This piece was written Tuesday night but, due to Internet problems, is being posted just now.

Only the NFL can make headlines with the release of its regular season schedule. Granted, there are only a handful of games for fans to absorb, so the attention given to each week is natural. However, this speaks increasingly to the booming popularity of the league.

Continue reading "Bears Schedule Analysis"

On Sunday, the Browns beat the Houston Texans to the score of 27-17. Afterwards, on such Cleveland sports programs like “Browns Redzone,” fans called in to voice their anxiety about the quarterback situation. 

Continue reading "The Quarterback Dilemma in Cleveland ..."