Official Texans @ Saints Game Thread, 9/9/19

[Arky]

The Texans kickoff their 2019 season this Monday night against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. The Saints are strong favorites to win the NFCS division again this year. Likewise, with Indy QB Andrew Luck retiring, the Texans are now the favorite to win the AFCS division. Saints vs. Texans games are usually pretty physical so both teams conditioning should be tested.

The Texans vs. Saints series is split at 2-2. The Texans won the last meeting between the two teams 24-6 on 11/29/2015 at Reliant. The Texans two wins came at home, the Saints two wins came at their home.

I don't give the Texans much of a chance here, not even to cover the 7 pts as they waited until the last minute to make major tweaks to their roster. Surprise me, fellas.

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TV = ESPN, 6:10 pm CST, Monday, Sept 9, 2019.

Announcers = (probable) Joe Tessitore, Booger McFarland (talk to me Booger!), Lisa Salters (sideline)

The line = Saints by 7 to 7½

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Other Sunday viewing in the Houston area:

CBS (early) = Kansas City @ Jacksonville, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

FOX (early) = Washington @ Philadelphia, Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis

FOX (late) = NY Giants @ Dallas, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

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Prime time:

TNF = Green Bay @ Chicago (NBC)

SNF = Pittsburgh @ New England (NBC)

MNF (late) = Denver @ Oakland (ESPN)

[nunusguy]

Thanks for the weekend game info for the Houston area Arky !
No I'm not too hopeful for a Texans win either but still looking forward to and excited about the start of the regular season with real NFL football.

[HPF Bob]

Texans' record in domed away stadiums (lest some of you think NRG is a dome) is terrible. I can't see them getting their shift together in one week.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Texans' record in domed away stadiums (lest some of you think NRG is a dome) is terrible. I can't see them getting their shift together in one week.

Considering they are 2-13 in Indy I am thinking the domed part doesn't matter as much as the being unable to win road games against Indy part.

[bikerack]

My Dad is a huge Saints fan which causes me to give half a care about them.

You have to go back to 2013 to find a season where they won the first game. In the past 5 years, they have lost to the Falcons, Cards, Vikings, Raiders, and Bucs in week 1. They just seem to start off bad (sometimes losing week 2 as well) before running off a streak of 5-6 wins in a row.

This is the main reason I think the Texans have a better than average shot against NO.

[Arky]

2 out of the 3 handicappers in this video (4.5 minute TRT) think the Texans will at least cover the spread.

Also, in a cash pickem contest I am in, 65% or nearly 2 out of 3 are taking the Texans. So, I'd say John Q Public has a lot more optimistic view of the Texans than some of us.... It goes without saying that anything can happen on any given Sunday (or Monday). A tipped ball INT'ed, a fumble at the wrong time......&^^%#@ Penn State going deep with 3 minutes left in a blowout game....

[HPF Bob]

Saints were in the NFL's final four last year. Has anything happened to them that would suggest they are not as good this year? Texans have never made a final four.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Texans have never made a final four.

Depends on which final four you're talking about, chief.

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by chuck

Depends on which final four you're talking about, chief.

Not talking about the draft here. The division round of the AFC playoffs is still their high-water mark, leading to a predictable evisceration in Foxboro or Baltimore.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Not talking about the draft here. The division round of the AFC playoffs is still their high-water mark, leading to a predictable evisceration in Foxboro or Baltimore.

Man, that was one dull SNF game last night (Pitt vs. NE). Pats looked like a machine, Big Ben looked like he has lost his touch. Gotta think the Texans vs. Saints will be a better show......

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Not talking about the draft here. The division round of the AFC playoffs is still their high-water mark, leading to a predictable evisceration in Foxboro or Baltimore.

The Patriots have eviscerated us and the league for almost 2 decades.

Baltimore was a one score game.

[Arky]

Texans don't do much on the opening possession. Punt it away.

Saints do a little better, move it into Texan territory but have to punt. Carter fair catches at the Texan 10.

2 sacks on Watson so far. Pass-protection not so good. Texans punting it away.

Saints get the ball around midfield.

6:57 left in the 1st qtr.

[chuck]

Deshaun should get rid of the ball faster.

[Arky]

Saints driving toward the goal line and Mercilus gets a saving INT. Watt with the pressure on Brees. Texans ball at their own 5.

2:55 left in the 1st qtr.

Boom. Bombs away to Fuller for 54 yards.

[Arky]

Texans at the Saints 29. 2nd and 9 coming up.

End of the 1st qtr.

[Arky]

On 4th and short, Watson keeps around left end, runs for 20 and the TD!

Texans 7, Saints 0

14:13 left in the half.

Nice call.

[Arky]

Saints drive down and answer with a FG. Lutz good from 32.

Texans 7, Saints 3

9:22 left in the half.

Watson shaken up on the TD but looks ready to go....

[Arky]

Texans have driven down the field and are 1st and goal at the Saints 7 as the 2 minute warning is given.

Watson hits Dhop over the middle for the 2 yard TD!

Texans 14, Saints 3

1:47 left in the half.

Who are these guys?

[Arky]

Lutz taking a shot at a 56 yard FG before the half.

FG is no good.

Score remains:

Texans 14, Saints 3

Halftime.

[HPF Bob]

So, is Genesis trying to get the gangsta luxury car market? Seems that way.

Very surprised the Texans have a halftime lead. Key plays were the Mercilous INT, the 21-yd TD by Watson (my lumbar region hurts for him), the def. holding call on 3rd down against NO and then the TD catch by D-Hop.

I'll be shocked if Texans pull this out. Saints look like they can move at will.