Behind Enemy Lines – Week 8 (Part 2)

Now it is my turn to go under the microscope and answer Brooks from Colts Chatter’s questions for me about the upcoming Texans and Colts showdown this Sunday.

Take it away, Brooks!

CC: How big of a game is this for the fans in Houston? I have heard several sports news outlets suggest that this may be one of the biggest games in the history of the Houston Texans. Is this true, and if so is there a certain buzz around the city pertaining to this game?

DMWT: When you consider the fact that this is the first time in franchise history that the team has posted 5 wins at the halfway mark, you’re going to hear that every game is the “Most important game in franchise history.” I mean, this is the first time in 7 and a half years we have even been pondering the thoughts of a playoff push as late as November. By this point, we’re usually looking towards the draft. As far as a “Buzz,” absolutely. For the first time in a long time, 95% of the calls coming into the sports radio stations out here are Texans related. There are still the idiots who call in and talk about The Cowboys or The Titans (Lots have never let go of The Oilers), but the city is clearly devoted to The Texans now. The fan base is excited and so are the players. Guys like Andre Johnson who have been here through it all almost seem at a loss on how to handle expectations and winning. It has been a breath of fresh air.

CC: The Texans, on average, are surrendering 370 yards on defense to opposing offenses. This Sunday will the Texans be able to slow down Peyton Manning and the boys, or will Matt Schaub and Gary Kubiak come out with guns blazing and try to outmatch this Colts offense?

DMWT: While those numbers are seriously inflated due to the miserable start the defense had through the seasons first 3 games, it is still a concern. Over the last five games, Houston has been the top ranked defense in the entire league against the run, surrendering only 58 yards per game. They have been averaging 260 yards given up per game. A large part of that has been the arrival of SS Bernard Pollard. The defense has been solid since he entered the starting lineup in week 4. As far as a shootout, it is always possible with these two teams. Lord knows it wouldn’t be the first time. However, when Houston played at Arizona in Week 5 everyone was expecting a shootout and neither team topped 24 points. Houston has been focusing on the run and allowing the opposing teams QB to try and beat them. They have been successful. But lets be honest, Ryan Fitzpatrick and JaMarcus Russell aren’t even in the same universe with Peyton Manning.

CC: Owen Daniels had been putting up fantastic numbers this season tallying 519 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, however, he was lost for the season last Sunday. Will his loss have a strong effect on the Texans offense, and if so how will the Texans try to fill the void left by Daniels in terms of production?

DMWT: That’s hitting below the belt, Brooks…The loss of Owen Daniels is huge. Bigger than people outside the AFC South probably realize. The guy has been as solid as any TE in the league this season. He has been about as automatic as Andre Johnson with his hands and has become a crutch for QB Matt Schaub when Andre is being double teamed. The team was planning on starting highly touted rookie James Casey to take his spot, but he is also out with meniscus damage to his knee and isn’t expected back for a few weeks. Joel Dreesen, who will start this Sunday, has been solid, but nowhere close to the way that Owen Daniels has. Thankfully, Houston has so much depth on Offense that they still shouldn’t have a problem moving the ball. I wouldn’t at all be surprsed to see some sets with five wide receivers or Steve Slaton in the slot. No question OD’s absence will hurt, but there are several players that can fill up the stat sheet in his absence.

CC: In order for the Colts to come out victorious this weekend they will have to play an all-around good game on both sides of the ball. However, looking at this game from a Texans point of view, how do you think the Colts should go about stopping the potent offense of the Texans?

DMWT: This one is simple. Stop Matt Schaub. Well, it sounds simple. If you let him get into a rhythm, he will slice a defense up. He spreads the ball to so many different receivers (last week he completed passes to 10 different players). When he gets protected well, he is easily a top 10 QB in this league. But under pressure, his numbers dip big time. Dwight Freeney got the best of Duane Brown three times last year to get to Texans QB’s. So that is the match up to watch. The run game hasn’t been anything special this year with Steve Slaton clearly suffering a sophomore slump. His seven fumbles through eight games may have costed him his starting job. Especially with back up Ryan Moats having a career day last Sunday in Buffalo. Houston uses the pass to set up the run and sometimes become one-dimensional in the passing game. With Bob Sanders back in The Colts lineup, I don’t see Houston’s running game having a big day like last week. So, again, get pressure on Schaub and he usually tends to make a bad pass or two that can change a game.

Thanks a ton for your time, Brooks. Here is to a good game and let’s pray everyone stays healthy. Good Luck!

Tags: Andre Johnson, Arizona Cardinals, Bernard Pollard, Bob Sanders, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Duane Brown, Dwight Freeney, Gary Kubiak, Indianapolis Colts, JaMarcus Russell, James Casey, Joel Dreesen, Owen Daniels, Peyton Manning, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Moats, Steve Slaton, Tennessee Titans