Quick Hit: Getting to Know the Houston Texans
Sep 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium. The Houston Texans beat the Tennessee Titans 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Tomorrow, the Seahawks will visit the Houston Texans (2-1) in their bid to go 4-0 for the first time in the history of the franchise.
To better understand the opponent, I had the privilege of speaking to Stephen Forsha, the co-editor of the Toro Times which is the Houston Texans website on Fansided.
He offered some insight on a few questions I had regarding his feelings on this Houston Texans team, which started the year strong before collapsing against the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.
Here is the conversation:
Ed Reed called this game a “Super Bowl matchup”. What are your thoughts on that comment? Do both teams have a legitimate chance to get to the big game?
My thoughts are mixed with that comment from Reed. I do believe these two teams have an opportunity to be Super Bowl contenders, but it is way too early in the season to say this is a Super Bowl preview. I really like the Seahawks’ chances to be in the Super Bowl over the Texans, just for the fact that if the Texans want to play in the Super Bowl they will more than likely have to beat the Denver Broncos, and I don’t know if anyone will be able to stop them.
Again, though, if the Texans can turn around their season with more consistency starting with this game, and prove they belong back in the higher tier of teams in the AFC, maybe Reed’s “prediction” will come true.
Who is a lesser-known player on the Texans’ roster that the Seahawks should not overlook? Will he be an impact player on Sunday?
Garrett Graham, tight end — The reason I choose Graham is the fact he can be sneaky in scoring situations as the focus will be on either of the two main running backs, Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins or Owen Daniels, the No. 1 tight end.
Graham this season does have two touchdowns, and is averaging 8.1 yards per catch this season. He has seven receptions for 57 yards, but that’s what makes him so sneaky. The Seahawks should keep an eye on him when in the red zone, but more than likely he could be the one who gets the mismatch opportunity this week.
What is the Texans biggest strength on the field? Their biggest weakness?
I think their biggest strength is having two running backs who are good enough to be starters in the NFL in Arian Foster and Ben Tate. This could be considered a weakness to a point as well as neither players gets the chance to get into a rhythm in the back field.
Right now the weakness seems to be the quarterback play thus far as Schaub had four interceptions in three games, and a QB rating of 87.3. It’s been well documented this week about the play of Schaub, and he’s even said he needs to play better as well.
What are the Texans keys to winning on Sunday?
One key is staying healthy. That seems to be a problem for Houston this season with Andre Johnson not finishing the past two games and tackle Duane Brown missing the game last week.
Other keys for the game are the Texans’ need to not make turnovers, because the turnovers have really hurt the Texans this season, including last week with Schaub’s interception being returned for a touchdown. Remember in the first week of the season Schaub had an interception that was nearly returned for a TD.
I also believe if Foster can rush for 100 or more yards the Texans can win the game. The 23 times he’s rushed for that amount in the regular season the Texans have won the game.
What will be the final score on Sunday? What’s your prediction?
This is a tough one, and Texans fans may not enjoy this answer, but after seeing the way the Seahawks have played this season my prediction is the Seahawks 21, Texans 17.
I see this game being a game of defense, and I just need to see more consistency in a positive way from the Texans’ offense for me to think otherwise.