November 2, 2008
Something Familiar Going on Here...
by Keith Weiland
Keith@IntheBullseye.com

The Texans took to the road in search of a four-game winning streak only to see some old friends show up, namely redzone turnovers by the offense and a distinct lack of them in the redzone by the defense. Add it up, and the Texans lose 28-21 to the Vikings.

Ineffective redzone performances weren't the only familiar sights from the good guys on Sunday. The Texans offense once again started slow but found its footing as the game endured, even winning the battle for time of possession (32:22).

The Vikings defensive line though overmatched their counterparts in stuffing the run, keeping running back Steve Slaton to just 62 yards on the afternoon. The Purple People Eaters also found a way to Matt Schaub, dropping him with an apparent leg injury, one bad enough that it forced him to the bench for the second half.

RRRRRRUUUUNNNNN!!! Get to the choppa!!! Yes, backup Sage Rosenfels re-entered our consciousness to start the third quarter, his team down 21-7, facing an opponent that had reportedly offered a third round pick to the Texans in the offseason so he could be their starter. With something to prove on oh-so-many levels, Rosenfels drove the offense 72 yards in 10 plays to open the second half, finding receiver David Anderson in the endzone, drawing the game to within a touchdown.

On Rosenfels' second drive, a familiar nemesis emerged as the backup was intercepted by Madieu Williams just two yards from tying the game at 21 points. Earlier, Schaub had also thrown an interception in the endzone attempting to knot the game at 14-14.

A couple of punts were then exchanged, taking us to the...

Key Play

The defense stiffened in the second half, but it was time for something to give. With 6:32 to play in the game, zone coverage broke down between linebacker Zac Diles and a big nobody that should have been providing deep coverage. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe caught the easy pass from Gus Frerotte and could practically waltz into the endzone for a 25-yard touchdown reception.

The 28-14 deficit almost proved scalable though, as Rosenfels rallied the offense to answer with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson. The Texans then failed to recover the onsides kick, and while the defense held the Vikings to a three-and-out to return possession to the offense, Rosenfels was sacked twice deep in his own territory to end the game.

Game Balls

Tight end Owen Daniels had a phenomenal effort, catching everything thrown in his direction and tallying 133 yards on 11 catches. Up the middle, along the sideline, wherever and whatever, Daniels made it happen.

Special mention as well to Anderson, scoring for the second game in a row and reprising the string dance which drew praise from late night talk show host Conan O'Brien earlier in the week.

Key Stat

25-139-1

The Texans did a nice job in containing Vikings running back Adrian Peterson through most of the first three quarters, but Peterson took over in money time. On what would prove to be the game-winning drive, Peterson rushed three times for 47 yards to set up the TD pass to Shiancoe.

The Texans will return to friendlier surroundings next Sunday to play in the Ike-delayed match-up with the Ravens. Home cooking is just what Schaub needs, too, assuming Kubiak and the Texans ignore the inevitable flurry of fans and media-types once again clamoring for Rosenfels. At Reliant Stadium this season, Schaub has an 111.2 QB rating, more than 40 points higher than on the road.

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