Official Texans @ Patriots Game Thread, 12/10/2012

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Keith

Like the Packer game earlier this season, I kinda wonder if the opponent wants (actually, needs) this win more than the Texans.

One key difference here will be the weather. Aaron Rodgers was phenomenal throwing the ball in that game, but the forecast for Monday calls for a chance of showers and upper 30s... not the same conditions for Brady's passing game that Rodgers enjoyed here in Houston. Ironically, I think the yuckier the weather conditions are better for the Texans.

NE is also not the downfield passing threat that Rodgers and GB are. I think the NE offense will definitely move the ball and score, but long drives and short gains and 3rd down conversions is not the way to attack this defense. Brandon Lloyd has not given them the deep threat they thought he would, and Gronk was the other deep guy. They signed Dante Stallworth yesterday, but they are more a horizontal defense than a vertical one. That is tough to do against the Texans because on a 10 play drive we will probably create some negative, drive-killing plays.

Again, I'm not saying we shut them down, they're just too good on offense for that. But I am saying they are a better offense than the Packers, but they don't create the problems for us that GB did.