I think if the Texans were a better defensive team, especially at defending passes, there would be a little more faith. The pass rush is inconsistent, there's no hiding that fact. The defense has had vulnerabilities and now you're going up against the #1 offense in the NFL. It isn't just about Brady. This team almost lost to the Lions who were the #2 offense... hell may have lost if that Forsett TD wasn't counted. At least, that's why I have the Patriots winning.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Johnathan Joseph: "I'm good to go." Asked if he'll start Monday, said, "No doubt. No doubt about it." <a class="hashtag" action="hash" title="#Texans">#Texans</a></p>— Nick Scurfield (@NickScurfield) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickScurfield/status/277154203871367170" data-datetime="2012-12-07T20:54:46+00:00">December 7, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Will we, though? My biggest issue with the "Green Bay logic" isn't that it's necessarily wrong - just that it overstates the importance of one game. Now, if the Texans go up there and lose 52-3, that might be a big indicator. But if they lose a fairly close game on the road, I don't think it's some damning thing as far as their prospects for the postseason. I just think everyone needs to back down from the "last time so and so..." talk. This is the NFL - there's not a team out there, New England included, that won't look bad if you selectively pick one or two outings and use it as the standard. We have three-quarters of a season's worth of evidence - use it!
It says a lot about people picking the Pats even without Rob Gronkowski. Their a whole different team with him. Texans Pass D has been nasty and now facing another Elite Qb. Of course that would scare people to pick the Texans.
It's the No. 6 defense in the NFL by yards and No. 4 by points. They're No. 3 in sacks and No. 7 in interceptions. They are far and away No. 1 in passes defensed. This is a good defensive football team. Are they flawless? Of course not. But you're being very selective when you look at one or two games and make that the standard - especially the Lions game with Joseph/Dobbins out, James going down injured, and Ruud/Sharpton just working their way in - all on a short week. That's what happens when your sample size is that small. If you look at the full body of evidence - majority of which comes without Cushing - I think there's a more accurate picture.
it seems a lot of doubters are focusing on how lately the defense has been shredded. however, the Texans aren't just a defensive team. they've shown they can win shootouts too. contrary to how the Schaub haters feel, he's proved he can make a comeback and rack up points. if the bills can do what they did to the Patriots, the Texans are more than capable of dropping 40.
Did you forget to post the #19 in giving up passing yds? Not saying they aren't good, but they aren't dominant either. Where that #6 ranking mainly comes from is how well the rush defense has been, but I don't really buy that we're the 2nd best rush defense in the NFL. Regardless, yes a good defensive team. It doesn't excuse that they're inconsistent and that they aren't playing as well as out late when it comes to defending the pass. It's not just those games, this defense has had stretches where it's given up big plays in air. I don't think the secondary is elite for a second. They rely more on the pass rush than anything and if it isn't there, they get exposed for what they really are (regardless of who's playing). Some of that might be attributed to injuries, but even still, I think it's legitimate to have some concern about it. My reasoning for picking the Patriots to win 28 to 24 is perfectly legitimate. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not going to continually believe in something that isn't really there.
Rodgers is not the only "elite QB" the Texans have faced this season. The big difference is Rodger's mobility. Brady is more of a pocket passer, so is Peyton.
If the other defensive players not named Watt bring their A game, the final score will be skewed big time in the Texans's favor!
Cody seems to be coming on of late and Mercilus is really stepping up, hoping to see our pass rush of old on Monday.
Why are you posting here? You are clearly not a fan and I know its not really my place but I wish you would GTFO.
THIS!!! Don't forget last year Reed and Watt were relatively quite during the year. Then playoffs came and BAM!!! Coming out party for both of them. I'm really hoping our D-line has the same type of transition starting this week. I'm looking and Smith, Cody, Barwin, and now Mercilus to really step up their game.
Not really, because when the Texans win you are just going to sink into a hole never to be seen again.
I didn't post pass yardage for the same reason I didn't post rush yardage: it's too easily skewed. I agree with you that the Texans aren't the second-best rush defense in the NFL, despite the numbers. But for that same reason, they're not the 19th-best pass defense. Why? Because when you're 11-1 and have the second-best point differential in the league, teams are playing from behind a lot. That is, they're throwing on sheer volume and not rushing as much. That's going to skew the yardage numbers on a rush vs. pass basis. If you go by yards per attempt given up against the pass, the Texans rank No. 7 in the league. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/opp.htm Now, are the Texans perfect? Of course not. But this isn't the NBA and its superteams. Every team has flaws. As I said before, the Patriots lost to Kevin Kolb and gave up 26 and 31 points to Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick. All at home. Surrendered 31 to Joe Flacco on 382 passing yards and three touchdowns. But folks are completely glossing over that. There's nothing wrong with picking the Patriots in this game. If I had a gun to my head, I probably would, too. What I'm calling out is the simpleton logic a few have (I wasn't saying you) of "durr, elite QB, Texans defense will be horrible" while simultaneously giving the Patriots the benefit of the doubt. Both teams have their flaws and we'll see who can exploit them the best.
