The upcoming Oakland game (12-21-08)

[Arky]

The Texans go to the unfriendly confines of McAfee Coliseum (Oakland-Alameda Coliseum) Sunday for a late game @ 3pm CST.

The Raiders don't have much to show for the year but can't be taken lightly. Like any team in the NFL (well, except maybe the Lions), the Raiders can occasionally put a good game together: Their first game of the year, they got thumped by Denver (41-14) and returned the favor (31-10) in the rematch. The Broncos resemble the Texans and not just by blood ties. Both Denver and Houston are neck and neck in statistical categories - good offense, bad defense so Oakland knows what to expect and generally speaking, will probably prepare as if it was another Denver game....

The game is on CBS and Bill Macatee and Steve Beuerlein will be the announcers.

[nunusguy]

This has got the distinct feel of a "trap game" as they call 'em.
But after 3 consecutive big emotional wins, it's hard to imagine the Texans getting on a plane, flying west for a several hours, and then setting down on the west coast and producing a strong effort in a game vs. the Oakland Raiders ?
Fortunately there's little on the line for us, so no big deal one way or the other.

[ArlingtonTexan]

Not that worried, over the l;ast couple of years the Texans have gotten to around .500 by winning most of the game they should win. More than anything it taking the next step, and beating good teams that has been at issue.

[superbowlbound]

i'm not worried. You say the texans have little to play for, and while we're out of the playoffs, getting to 9-7 would be huge for this team. Eric Winston said as much on his radio show today. I don't think we're gonna have to worry about coming out flat. they'll be hungry for that winning record. they know that our fate for the year would be very different if we could've closed out the jags and the colts.

[papabear]

I wasn't worried until Arky had to screw everything up and mention the similarities to the Broncos and how the Raiders just manhandled them .

In my best coach-speak...." We have to win the turnover battle, especially on the road."

[coloradodude]

I certainly like the fact that Kiffin caused a nice disruption to the Raiders organization this week. Specifically to their O-line.

[nunusguy]

When is the last time the Texans have been favoed by a TD ? OK then,
how 'bout by a TD on the road ?
Are you that confidant about the Texans' prospects this weekend in Oakland ? BTW, the O/U is 44.
http://www.footballlocks.com/nfl_lines.shtml

[ArlingtonTexan]

Originally Posted by ArlingtonTexan

Not that worried, over the l;ast couple of years the Texans have gotten to around .500 by winning most of the game they should win. More than anything it taking the next step, and beating good teams that has been at issue.

Well, this analysis looks good.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by ArlingtonTexan

Well, this analysis looks good.

Eheh, well, it was the first time this year they lost to a "bad" team....

Honestly, people complain that they (the Texans) assembled their wins against weak teams. Well, what are they supposed to do? Lose to weak teams? That's worse....

Meh, I've already forgiven them.... They weren't going to the playoffs anyway. The Fire-Richard-Smith people have to be happy.....