Tale of the Tape: Texans, Titans fight for South

With the monotony of Indianapolis’ annual contention for the AFC South stifled by Peyton Manning’s injury, Houston and Tennessee will battle for the division lead Sunday as we approach the season’s midpoint. This is an intriguing matchup with many elements to define –  the teams are glaringly similar yet play different styles.  

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Statistically, these teams are very similar. The Titans have a slight edge defensively, ranking No. 9 in overall defense, one slot ahead of the Texans.  The Titans are No. 12 in pass defense, also edging Wade Phillips’ defensive unit by one spot.  The Titans rank No. 10 in run defense while the Texans are No. 13.

The scale balances a bit more on the offensive side of the ball.  The Texans holds the edge in two of the three main offensive categories, ranking No. 8 in total offense (the Titans are 19th) and No. 7 in rushing offense (Titans are No. 32). Interestingly enough, the Titans have the better passing offense, ranked No. 9, two spots ahead of the Texans.

Texans’ offense vs. Titans’ defense

Houston is a big-play offense on the ground and through the air. They design downfield throws off of their run game and are a rare offense that can pass efficiently with run personnel on the field. Tennessee’s defense is tough up front with sound linebackers that fill and spill adequately.  Their front seven is disciplined and plays well together. The edge players of the Titans will dictate the game against the Texans’ zone-stretch scheme.

Running game

Houston isn’t ranked in the top 10 in rushing for no reason. Titans LB Akeem Ayers (whooften walks down to the line of scrimmage) and the defensive ends must control their points.  Ayers seems to struggle more often off the line and in space, which could be costly against the Texans’ athletic linemen.  Houston’s front will be challenged during early downs by DTs Shaun Smith and Jurrell Casey. Smith does not allow much offensive push and is always conscious to grab releasing linemen to protecting the linebackers. Casey, a rookie third-round pick, has provided stout run defense at the 3-technique position.

The Texans have one of the best offensive line units that a running back could wish for.  They are athletic and they block well in space.  Having TEs James Casey, Owen Daniels and Joel Dressen — all great route runners and receivers who provide sufficient one-on-one blockers on the edge –  also helps. Arian Foster and Ben Tate are two big backs trained to come downhill and not waste steps through the line of scrimmage.  If the Titans can force Foster and Tate to stop and start in the backfield through penetration and the discipline they’ve shown on tape, it could force the Texans to abandon their greatest strength early.

Passing game

The Titans are a responsible defensive unit that works well together.  They know and trust that everyone is where they are supposed to be.  While Texans QB Matt Schaub is the most blitzed quarterback in the league, the Titans do not blitz much.  Look for CB Cortland Finnegan, who has been a force in the run defense and defending routes from the slot and tight end position, to play in the box.

The Titans face an obscure challenge against the Texans’ passing attack and will have to play the personnel battle correctly. Without WR Andre Johnson, the Texans will throw out of their two-back, two-tight end packages. This could leave the defense with slower personnel if the Texans decide to pass on earlier downs.  They are well aware defenses gear up to stop the run and use run action through personnel mismatches to take shots down the field.

Titans’ offense vs. Texans’ defense

Matt Hasselback is the best thing to happen to the Titans this season.  The Titans have not had a decisive quarterback who gets the ball out on time consistently and the aspect of game management has been upgraded astronomically. His ability to protect the football (4INTs and 7 sacks allowed) keeps the Titans in every game. Hasselbeck leads in the league in passer rating in the red zone with at an astounding 123.9 (7 TDs, 0 INTs).

Houston’s pass rush has taken a major hit without injured  LB Mario Williams and is now asking a collection of younger players to generate pressure.  Behind this pressure is a group of players with below average man to man coverage skills and a lot of soft zone concepts.  Hasselback‘s presnap intellect and ability to get the ball to the correct receiver should take advantage of this secondary.

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Running game

This is an intriguing battle, as both teams’ biggest weaknesses are in this department.  Though the Titans rank last in the NFL with 66 yards rushing per game, this is the week to prove that ranking wrong. The Texans are active and physical up front but they do not tip the scale.  They are built to rush the passer. Their linebackers take on blocks but stay latched, and the secondary doesn’t tackle well given their deep pre-snap alignments. Titans RB Chris Johnsonwill have chances to get to the second level this week.

Passing game

The Texans blitz more than all but one other team, but Hasselbeck is often successful because of his ability to recognize defensive alignments before the snap. He is oblivious to pressure and beats it often by getting the ball out quickly and taking smart shots down the field. He beats defenses mentally by correctly identifying their calls and being ready to throw at the top of his drop. He takes what the defense gives him.

The Titans have completed eight passing plays of 25 or more yards on first down, four of which were 50-plus yard gains.  It is safe to say they will take a few designed shots on early downs.

Something that we noticed on film this season is how the Texans like to play Cover-3 against closed formations, where the widest eligible receiver is on the line of scrimmage next to the tackle.  The Titans will design downfield throws off of this set, knowing they will get this look.

Outlook

This matchup will also give a clear picture on what to expect out of the rematch in Week 17, when the AFC South could be riding on the outcome.  Let it be known, the Titans’ defense has not given up a rushing touchdown since the opening drive of the season.  The Texans have only three rushing touchdowns. The Texans will have to lean on their ground attack to set the tone for the offense.  This matchup looks like a case where an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object.  Something is going to have to give.

We believe the Titans have enough defense to keep their offense out of bad situations.  History has proven that Hasselback’s teams always has a chance as long as his defense gives him one.  Tennessee wins a close game on paper, but we’ll see how it plays out.

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Three and out: Texans’ Johnson could “miss a few weeks”

NFL.com Staff | Tags: Three and out, Andre Johnson, Ben Tate, Houston Texans, Mario Manningham, New York Giants, Roy Helu, Ryan Torain, Tim Hightower, Washington Redskins

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Johnson to have MRI: The Houston Texans got good news on Sunday when Andre Johnson’s injury appeared to be a hamstring and not a knee. But the bad news is that his injured hamstring could put him on the shelf for a bit. Add that to Ben Tate’s groin injury and Derrick Ward’s bum ankle and the Texans might have to go without quite a bit of firepower. If Johnson is gone for any length of time, it means more snaps for Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter. However, it likely means more targets for Owen Daniels and more dependence on the renewed Arian Foster and the running game.

Redskins to rotate running backs: Sunday turned out to be a big day for Ryan Torain and if he keeps running hard, there could be more on the way. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan unveiled his new running back strategy after yesterday’s win, telling reporters that “we’ve got three football players at the running back position. All three guys can play. All guys have a strength, and we’ll play the hot guy.” Translation: Tim Hightower, Torain and Roy Helu all become risky plays — unless you can get into the mind of Shanahan. Good luck.

Manningham demoted during game: The disappearance of Mario Manningham had a lot of fantasy owners scratching their heads on Sunday. The fourth-year receiver had just one catch for 10 yards and was reportedly dropped from the team’s two-receiver sets midway through the game. In his place, Victor Cruz did a nice job, catching six passes for 98 yards. It’s premature to banish Manningham to the waiver wire, but with a game against the woeful Seattle Seahawks next week, if Manningham finds himself behind Cruz again, it might be time to move him off your roster.

– Marcas Grant

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Data Points: Texans defense stepping up

Published: September 22nd, 2011 | Tags: Data Points, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Peyton Manning, Wade Phillips

It’s only been two games — but so far, so good for the Wade Phillips-led defense in Houston. The Texans have been struggling for years to field a playoff-caliber defense, and the results have been far less than satisfactory. Enter Phillips as the new defensive coordinator.

Hopes were high, and the numbers after two weeks, compared to all of last season, are very positive — albeit against the Dolphins and the Colts sans Peyton Manning. This week should be a true test, as the Texans go on the road to face Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints.

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Texans’ Foster misses practice; Tate might start

NFL.com Staff | Tags: Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Houston Texans

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Here we go again in Houston.

It looks like Arian Foster fantasy owners will be on alert this week to see if the running back is available for Sunday’s game at New Orleans. Ben Tate has already proven that he’s a worthy replacement for Foster and is quickly moving up the ranks as a fantasy commodity. After he was forced out of last week’s game after aggravating his injured hamstring, Foster shouldn’t be counted on for big production this week, even if he does play.

Considering that Foster earned the starting job last season because of injuries to others, it’s not unreasonable to think the same thing could happen to him.

- Marcas Grant

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Texans WR Walter suffers broken shoulder

Published: September 11th, 2011 | Tags: Kevin Walter, Derrick Ward, Houston Texans, Jason La Canfora, Week 1 injuries 2011

Texans WR Kevin Walter left Sunday’s 34-7 victory over the Colts with a shoulder injury, and the initial reports suggest he will be out for a long period of time, if not the entire season.  

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora cited a league source in reporting that Walter suffered a broken shoulder and is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks. Considering that length of time, it’s doubtful the Texans would keep Walter on their active roster.

The Texans, already playing without starting RB Arian Foster, also lost backup Derrick Ward to an ankle injury during the second half. Ward finished with 11 rushes for 39 yards and one touchdown.

– Frank Tadych

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Texans RB Foster will miss opener vs. Colts

Published: September 11th, 2011 | Tags: Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Derrick Ward, Houston Texans

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UPDATE: Foster officially was ruled out when the Texans released their inactive players at 11:30 a.m. ET. Ward will start in Foster’s place.

The Texans have yet to officially deactivate Arian Foster, but team officials don’t expect him to play Sunday against the Colts.

Internally, Foster isn’t in Houston’s game-day plans, according to a source, and no one believes his hamstring will allow him to play. The running back, who led the NFL in rushing last season, would be officially deactivated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

The Texans plan on a heavy rushing workload, with Derrick Ward the starter but with sufficient carries for youngster Ben Tate as well.

For inactives for every Sunday game, visit www.nfl.com/inactives.

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Ravens CB Washington ruled out vs. Texans

Published: December 13th, 2010 | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Week 14 inactives

The Baltimore Ravens will face the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football without cornerback Fabian Washington. He has been nursing a thigh injury and didn’t participate in practice this week. Washington was listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.

The Texans had no players listed as questionable on their final injury report released on Friday. Ten players were listed as probable and they are all active.

Full inactives list:

Texans
Matt Leinart (No. 3 QB)
WR Dorin Dickerson
CB Brice McCain
S Quintin Demps
OL Kasey Studdard
OL Shelley Smith
TE Anthony Hill
TE Garrett Graham

Ravens
CB Fabian Washington
RB Jason McKie
LB Jason Phillips
LB Dannell Ellerbe
DT Arthur Jones
G Bryan Mattison
DT Lamar Divens
TE Todd Heap

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Texans TE Daniels out vs. Eagles, play Dreessen

Published: December 1st, 2010 | Tags: Joel Dreessen, Dallas Clark, Houston Texans, Jacob Tamme, Joel Dreessen, Owen Daniels

Hard to believe, but two of the better TE options in Week 13 were anonymous to casual fans at the beginning of the season.

There has been nearly no fantasy drop off from Colts TE Dallas Clark to TE Jacob Tamme (though, there is a dropoff in real football terms). The third-year player from Kentucky tops our TE rankings for Week 13.

Another great option is Texans TE Joel Dreessen who will again see more targets since Owen Daniels has been ruled out for Thursday’s game vs. the Eagles, which will be shown live on NFL Network. Dreessen has scored touchdowns in consecutive games and the Eagles have allowed the second-most points to tight ends this season. Dreeseen is available in over 95 percent of NFL.com leagues. Hurry and add him to you team.

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Eagles Late Rally Helps 34-24 Victory Over Texans

By EaglesGab Columnist Troy Ballard

The Philadelphia Eagles played against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football tonight, and the Eagles were able to walk away with a win. Following an even 1st half performance, the Eagles entered the 3rd quarter and were dominated. The Eagles were unable to score once and allowed Arian Foster to put up 14 points on their defense. However, the Eagles had a huge bounce back performance in the 4th quarter and were able to regain all of the momentum.

The Eagles did a good job of keeping the Texans offense in check, especially in the 4th quarter when they needed the big stops. Foster was able to get some big runs off, but for the most part he was kept in check, finishing the game with 83 yards and one touchdown. This is a game where people were predicting 100+ yards and two touchdowns, when the Eagles held him significantly below his predicted numbers. The Eagles defense did a sub-par job of covering an elite Andre Johnson, leaving him wide open on several plays. Mainly the Eagles defense was burned off of the play action and that is how Johnson was able to get open.

The Eagles offense seemed like it was going to be incredibly explosive following a quick and effective touchdown drive. The success did not quite carry over into the 2nd and 3rd quarters and it ended in the Eagles losing the lead. Being shutout during the entirety of the third quarter, and posting 13 points in the second. Once the 4th quarter began, it was a whole new offense and Vick showed why he deserved to be the starter. Throwing a deep pass to Jackson and then Vick scored off of QB sneak, which put the Eagles up once again. After the defense held, Vick and the Eagles drove down the field once again and were able to punch it in again, giving the Eagles a 10 point lead. Michael Vick once again had a 300 yard passing game, and another huge game from McCoy, finishing with 120 all purpose yards.

The Eagles defense came up big in this game, especially when the team needed the most. Naturally, the Eagles explosive offense was there to back up the defense and the Eagles were able to get the lead and hold it. This was a big win for the Eagles, as they advance to (8-4) and are once again atop the NFC East. This was an excellent win and the Eagles have shown that they are contenders in the NFC.

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Taking a lesson from Jets vs. Texans

Published: November 21st, 2010 | | Tags: Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Houston Texans, Mark Sanchez, Rusty Smith, Steve Johnson

There are a number of lessons that you can take from this Jets and Texans matchup.

The first is that RB Arian Foster is matchup proof and should start every week. A number of fantasy enthusiasts were thinking about starting Foster, but the he managed over 100 total yards and scored twice.

WR Andre Johnson is not matchup proof. Especially against the Jets. Dre has struggled against the Jets in the past and that continued on Sunday. And as a personal aside, I started Dre over Bills WR Stevie Johnson because I’m an idiot. As late as Thursday, Stevie was in my starting lineup.

Oh, and if you missed it Stevie had like 16 touchdowns.

Start any quarterback against the Texans defense. How long did it take for Jets QB Mark Sanchez to drive through Houston’s defense for the winning touchdown? Seven seconds? Seriously,Titans QB Rusty Smith might be a good start against the Texans next week.

And finally, sweater vests are super comfortable.

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Value of Texans WR Johnson could take another hit

Published: November 17th, 2010 | | Tags: Houston Texans, Andre Johnson, Matt Leinart, Dan Orlovsky, Matt Schaub, Darrelle Revis, Gary Kubiak

Texans starting QB Matt Schaub has been hospitalized with a bursa sac in his knee according to coach Gary Kubiak, according to the team’s official website. Kubiak said that he expects Schaub to be released from the hospital Wednesday, and possibly return to practice on Thursday.

“Well, he’s not here today,” Kubiak said. “I’ve got to see where he’s at tomorrow, but I’m telling you, I expect him here tomorrow. If that’s the case and he’s doing what he normally does, then you’re damn right he’ll be out there.”

Sound like somebody is worried about their job security? Either that, or he is worried about his options behind Schaub. Normally, this is where a coach would talk up his backup quarterbacks. Yet, Kubiak could not wait to say that Schaub will be back on the field, even if he is wearing a robe and a bedpan for a helmet.

Or, at least it just sounded that way to me.

The value of Texans WR Andre Johnson has taken a hit this week because of matchup against Jets CB Darrelle Revis. Dre’s value will plummet like the elevator car on Disney’s Hollywood Tower of Terror if the Texans have to turn to QBs Dan Orlovsky or Matt Leinart, who has been listed as the team’s emergency quarterback for most of the season.

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Despite another loss, Texans stand by Kubiak

Two reports surfaced this week in the wake of Sunday’s loss to the Chargers that sparked so many “get ‘em outta here” remarks from Texans fans.  From fans calling for their head coach Gary Kubiak’s firing to rookie cornerback Kareem Jackson’s benching, fans are infuriated with their team’s lackluster losses.  But through all the outside havoc, the organization is sticking to its guns.  This week Texans’ owner Bob McNair said he still supports Kubiak.  On any chance of a coaching change, McNair responded:

“That’s not how we run this ship.  Gary’s doing a good job. Replacing him doesn’t help you catch more balls.”

On the ongoing criticism of Kubiak and the Texans’ poor home record.

“You’re always going to be criticized if you don’t win every game.  That’s just part of it. If you win, the criticism goes away. I think he’s doing fine. He’s not out there making the blocks and catching the ball, and that’s what hurt us. If you replace the coach, will it be easier for the guy who missed the block to make it? I don’t think so. If he was making bad decisions, if he wasn’t managing the team and if the players weren’t playing hard, that would be cause for concern. But our players are playing hard.”

For Gary Kubiak, he was watching his young rookie cornerback’s back.  Kareem Jackson has been burnt, shook and just simply beat an awful lot this season.  However, Kubiak still has confidence in the young man.

“He’s going through some tough times, especially (Sunday), but he has been doing some good things. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him. He just needs to keep working. He’s got to start making those plays. We expect him to do that. His teammates expect him to do that.”

For the sake of arguing, Kubiak’s right.  The kid needs to keep working and he will develop.  Absent superb athleticism, it is a rarity to find a impact rookie cornerback.

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