What’s that noise coming from behind Peyton Manning? It’s the sound of the Houston Texans creeping up on his Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South.
Houston started off the season cold but are now 5-3 heading into 7-0 Indianapolis Sunday.
Unlike past games against their division rival, Houston has a chance to prove they are ready to play with the big boys.
Since their inception into the NFL in 2002, Houston has always been a “meh” team. What do I mean by a “meh” team? They have never been that bad but have never been that good either.
In 2002, 2003, and 2005, they had horrendous seasons (4-12, 5-11, and 2-14 respectively). Other than that, they’ve been pretty mediocre, even going 8-8 the past two seasons.
But coming into this season, there was a buzz about Houston. We all knew they had Andre Johnson, one of the best receivers in the NFL. But there were some budding superstars we all talked about.
Matt Schaub, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Dunta Robinson and Steve Slaton were names experts threw out as potential players on the rise.
While Slaton has struggled running the ball, the others have shown what they are capable of doing, especially Schaub.
In fact, Schaub leads the NFL in passing yards (2,342) and is tied for the most touchdown passes (16) heading into Sunday’s game.
Many are calling Houston’s match up at Indianapolis as a “franchise changing game.” That is exactly what it is.
A victory against their division rival will make them 6-3 on the season, with a good shot at an AFC wildcard berth. It could also possibly put them into a position later in the year to steal the division away from Indianapolis.
But if they get trounced by Manning and company, it could have everyone second guessing where they are.
Either way, this game will set the tone for Houston’s season, good or bad.
Winners
Most Valuable Player: Brett Favre
Not only was Favre the best quarterback during week eight action, but he was the most valuable player for the week. Favre went 17-28 for 244 and four touchdowns against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field.
Best Running Back: Chris Johnson
Sure Vince Young was the story behind the Tennesse Titans first win of the season, but Johnson was the main reason why it happened. Johnson rattled off two long touchdown runs of 52 and 89 yards. He also finished with 228 yards on 24 carries.
Best Receiver: Reggie Wayne
Not only did he catch 12 balls for 147, but Wayne also caught an erratic 22-yard touchdown pass from lefty running back Joseph Addai. Pretty impressive if you ask me.
Best Defense: Chicago Bears
Yes, it was the Cleveland Browns. However, you can’t scoff at Chicago forcing five turnovers. Since 2004, when Lovie Smith was hired as head coach, Chicago has produced the most takeaways than any other defense in the NFL with 185.
Best Rookie: LeSean McCoy
He did a solid job replacing running back Brian Westbrook last Sunday against the New York Giants. McCoy carried the ball 11 times for 82 yards, 66 of which came on his lone touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Best Game of the Week: Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
This was a pretty good Monday night match up despite being a turnover fest (four from New Orleans and three from Atlanta). Atlanta made this one a ball game, after trailing New Orleans 28-14 at the half. But New Orleans managed to hold onto the victory, 35-27.
Losers
Least Valuable Player: Derek Anderson
Anderson was responsible for three of Cleveland’s three turnovers against Chicago (two interceptions and one fumble). One of his picks was returned 21 yards by cornerback Charles Tillman for a touchdown. The poor outing led his benching late in the fourth quarter.
Worst Running Back: Steve Slaton
Slaton has struggled this season, but he couldn’t get worse against the Buffalo Bills. His one carry for one yard and a fumble, Slaton’s seventh on the year, put him on the bench. Ryan Moats subbed in and ran for 124 yards and three touchdowns.
Worst Receiver: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
The multi-million dollar man wasn’t very happy that Matt Hasselbeck didn’t get him the ball. Maybe Houshmandzadeh could have made a better effort. He only caught four passes for 24 yards.
Worst Defense: New York Giants
Donovan McNabb torched the Giants defense all day last Sunday in a 40-17 route. The Giants recent struggles are worrisome for a team that prides itself on its pass defense.
Worst Rookie: Matthew Stafford
He’s been getting better, but Stafford was scratching his head against the lowly St. Louis Rams. Stafford only went 14-of-33 while throwing for 168 yards and an interception.
Worst Game of the Week: St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions
Two one-win teams both struggling to score 20 points is not captivating for this blogger. But maybe other people have a different opinion. I’m sure St. Louis fans were at least happy to their team get off the snide.
