The Texans notched another familiar style of win today. They were largely unimpressive on offense, notching only one touchdown. The defense didn’t get entirely gashed, but struggled at times, saved by big plays by J.J. Watt. Same ol’, same ol’. It certainly wasn’t a resounding win, but they were up against a 9-4 team trying to secure a playoff spot and they won by two scores. Oh, and AFC South champions for the second year in a row, thank you very much.
The Texans’ offense continues to play in a way that I can’t help but call anything but “alarming” headed toward the post-season. Most of the season the offensive line has been inconsistent, and it seems like lately it’s been trending more downward than up. They did put it on the Colts in the 2nd half in the run game when the game was still in doubt, so I do give them credit for that. Andre Johnson is a one-man wrecking crew as a wide receiver, and the Texans aren’t getting much of anything from anyone else save for Owen Daniels. The Texans are so weak at WR right now that DeVier Posey got significant snaps. Kevin Walter only had two catches and I noticed him on the sideline a fair amount. I’ll have to check his snap numbers once those stats hit the web.
Arian Foster again struggled early. It’s more because of the offensive line, but he still seemed to not be “the same guy” he has been in the past as far as breaking tackles and getting that last extra yard. That all changed in the second half, when Foster was his classic late-game self, ripping off big chunks of yardage, staying in-bounds to keep the clock rolling, protecting the ball, and so on. Dominant late-game performance by Foster to put the game away.
The defense didn’t struggle as mightily as it had in recent weeks, but it did once again give up another huge play. The most encouraging thing in this game defensively was that the Texans got good pressure on Andrew Luck all game long, and it wasn’t just from JJ Watt. Houston finished with five sacks, three by Watt, one by Antonio Smith, and one by Connor Barwin, which was just a gift of him being in the right place at the right time. The Colts ran the ball better than you would hope they would, but their offense benefited from Texans’ penalties greatly, especially in the first half. Had the Texans played the game “cleaner” it wouldn’t have been nearly as close.
Matt Schaub had a typical “workman-like” performance. He wasn’t great, but he got the job done. Schaub and Gary Kubiak were smart to feed Andre Johnson all game long, as Andre was often inexplicably single-covered by Vontae Davis. That, and Schaub just doesn’t really have any other weapons to target these days other than 80 and Owen Daniels. Most importantly, Schaub didn’t miss several throws as he has lately, and he took care of the ball. The Texans once again did not have a turnover.
Next up, the absolute MONSTER Adrian Peterson and the otherwise not-so-good Minnesota Vikings come to town. Peterson is looking to break the all-time single-season rushing record this season, and keep the Vikings in the wild-card hunt in the NFC. The Texans match up well against Minnesota, but in no way will that be an easy game. Houston will look to continue their march for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. If the Patriots lose to San Francisco on Sunday night, Houston will have a chance to clinch the home-field outright.
Player of the game – defense – Haha do you need to ask? Watt may have actually had his BEST game of the season.
Player of the game – offense – Andre Johnson found himself single-covered a lot, so naturally he had a big game. Arian Foster wasn’t far behind though, as he had a monster second half to close the game out.
Play of the game – Tough to pick against Bryan Braman’s speshul teemz trifecta of a blocked punt, recovered punt, and touchdown. Big play at a big time, though the defense promptly gave it right back on a Luck to T.Y. Hilton touchdown.
Houston now sits at 12-2, still firmly in control of whether they have home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. The Ravens lost yet again, and now it looks more and more likely that the Texans would not have to play both the Broncos and Patriots if they are going to go to the Super Bowl, it would only be one of them. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.
Dec 16, 2012 at 22:25:40
I give play of the game to Tim Dobbins. Brayman’s block six was impressive, But there is something absolutely demoralizing about a forced fumble & recovery at the one.
I actually expect to see Watt playing defensive tackle most of next week’s game. Any game plan other than absolutely Selling out to stop Peterson and begging Ponder to win the game for them is lunacy.
Speaking of lunacy, Chris, you missed the scariest part of the game. The head coach was absolutely awful. The playcalling was not even just conservative, it was wrong. We played the Colts like we are underrated and they are overrated, but bad play calling The game a lot closer than it felt like when I was watching it.
Dec 17, 2012 at 09:31:01
Loved seeing the Pats down 31-3 to the 9ers at home last night. Sadder to see they managed to come back and tie it late in the game. The story of this season is not finished yet but it looks like we still have a ways to go to get to the top of the league.
Schaub’s arm strength is starting to worry me. Not a new development but I would like to see him be able to air it out when Andre breaks free deep. With the performances of all the rookie and second year QBs this year, including players drafted later like Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick, it seems like the Texans might have missed an opportunity to reload at the most important position on the field. I have long been a defender of Schaub but he hasn’t shown much recently to give me a reason to believe.
Dec 17, 2012 at 12:47:29
@Mike
It’s not Schaub; Schaub can certainly still throw the deep ball.
It’s Kubiak. Kubiak has long been the proponent of run-run-run-run-run-run-run-run-run-PLAY ACTION-run-run…you get the point.
Most troubling is that Kubiak is slower than molasses at changing his tune. He insisted on a power-run offense in all the years that predated us having a good running back. He insists on only dialing in deep passes off of playaction. And then there’s “The Kubiak Special” (draw play on 3rd and long that Ray Charles can see coming).
Any record Andre Johnson breaks is miraculous and indicative of his status among all-time greats, because unlike the coaches of Fitzgerald and Megatron, he is not the focal point of this offense, which even at his age is just silly. Yes, we have Foster, but that doesn’t mean we should never ever ever ever throw a short pass, or try a bubble screen with Keyshawn Martin (his work as a punt returner shows his potential given the ball in space with blockers) or maybe even (GASP) run some of the 2- and 3- tight end sets that Peyton torched us with for years since we have three of the best catching tight ends in the league.
At this point, if Schaub is given enough dropbacks to amass 300 yards, it is viewed as a sign that the Texans struggled. THAT is proof that we need a different playcaller. I love what Kubiak has done for this team, but someone else needs to call the plays. It’s time.
Dec 17, 2012 at 13:55:50
Let me get this straight. The Texans won a must win game at home yesterday while enduring booing from the home crowd, they’ve essentially locked up the AFC home field with two games to play because NE lost at home and people are questioning the coaching, play calling and effort? Wow. How good does this team have to be to get respect from its own fans?
Dec 17, 2012 at 14:38:12
Great to see Braman get some great TV coverage of his interception. JJWatt just keeps giving and giving and giving.
Dec 18, 2012 at 11:06:16
@Kurt
I agree with you. It was not so long ago that this team sucked. I will enjoy this season no matter how it turns out. How often do we have a 12 win (at least) team, much less a REAL shot at HFA. This year is special…people should not be such debbie downers.
Does this team have flaws? Yes! Which NFL team doesn’t?
Fans just need to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Dec 18, 2012 at 13:53:35
@Kurt
Dissatisfaction at a team of this level is the ultimate showing of respect. We’re making it clear that this team has not yet reached the goals we are striving for as a fan base: A win in New Orleans, which based on our schedule can only be accomplished at the Super Bowl.
There will be plenty of time to celebrate the season that was when the season is a “was”. For now, there are things to fix as we move forward. The last thing we want is this team to pull a Peyton impression and wilt in the playoffs, negating such a magical season.
Dec 18, 2012 at 13:56:16
@Ed
Braman I think will make the Pro Bowl, and it is deserved. Kubiak said in his press conference that the punt block was due to Braman being shifted around “to avoid triple coverage”. I don’t care if it’s a receiver, a defensive end, or a punt blocker; being triple-covered is an amazing showing of fear and desperation towards a particular player.
I’m glad there’s a spot for Special Teams Player (not just returner) in the Pro Bowl, because Braman is arguably the single-best player in the NFL at doing his job. So what if that job is just “find the guy wit the ball and make him regret his career decisions”?