Official Texans vs. Colts Game Thread, 12/16/2012

[popanot]

That game did nothing to make me feel any better about how this team is playing going into the playoffs. Save for the last 2 drives, the offense is sputtering and looks slow, the D looked a bit better but still has issues beyond anything named Watt, and the special teams are a wreck. They can't field a punt or kickoff without a penalty and putting this already sputtering offense in a bigger hole.

[HPF Bob]

Not a great day for the offense but good teams find ways to win. We really needed this game and if we came out of it without any serious injuries, I'm satisfied. Nice win. Next up: some desperate Vikings.

[nunusguy]

Don't know what the biggest reason is for the offense not playing any better than it is ? Collectively maybe Winston, Briesel, & Dresseens absense make that much difference, but I know we can't beat Brady or Manning with FGs, not even in Reliant.
With the exception of that breakdown of the secondary right before the first half where the Colts scored on the long pass-play, the defense played pretty well.
And Watt was outstanding again: 10 solo tackles, 3 sacks, & 6 TFLs today: I think that boys got a future in the NFL.

[Arky]

Early line is Texans by 7 to 9.5 over Vikings... wow, that's a lotta points...

[WMH]

Interesting to see Posey as much in the mix as he was, and more importantly, produced in big spots. That catch up the seam, in traffic, was a great throw, a great catch, and more importantly, he hang on to the ball after getting crushed. Definitely opened up my eyes from what we had previously seen.

You can be Debbie Downers if you want, but I'm freaking stoked about the possibility of only having to win 2 home games to reach the ultimate prize. A seat at the table.

[cadams]

Originally Posted by popanot

That game did nothing to make me feel any better about how this team is playing going into the playoffs. Save for the last 2 drives, the offense is sputtering and looks slow, the D looked a bit better but still has issues beyond anything named Watt, and the special teams are a wreck. They can't field a punt or kickoff without a penalty and putting this already sputtering offense in a bigger hole.

man there is still a lot of pessimism around here. are the texans a perfect team? no. and they may not be the best team in the afc, but all teams have bad weeks, and that is what last week was. the 49ers got destroyed by the giants earlier this year. the giants just got destroyed by atl, who lost to carolina last week. the pats lost to the cards at home earlier this year, and the colts beat green bay in week 4.

there is no team in the league that doesn't have a weakness. the texans' defense is definitly not as good as it was last year, and the running game is not as explosive, but they are sitting pretty for home field throughout the playoffs, and i will take that. they may not win the super bowl, or even make it there, but if they can win one of these last two games it will make things much easier.

if the seeds work out like they are expected to, the texas would only have to play denver or the pats (if they make it to the afc champ game) and not both. additionally, it looks like the texans would be slated to play the winner of the indy/balt playoff game in the divisional round.

things could go bad for the team, and they could lose the divisional round game, but things are set up for them pretty darn well right now.

[HPF Bob]

The two key things to a playoff run are depth and health. I think the Texans are about 85% in both. Losing Cushing has hurt, losing Reed has hurt and having injury problems on the OL has hurt but Foster and Tate should be fresh for the playoffs, AJ has come alive, JJo is back and we now know the Colts have no answer for Watt.

If we beat the Vikings at home, the game in Indy means nothing and we can play our scrubs to give them experience then rest through the first playoff round. By then, Reed could be back, Cody could be back, Newton will be back and the rest of the team will be fresh.

Plus, they'll have two games at home in the playoffs and won't have to travel anywhere.

[Arky]

I sure hope they take care of business this Sunday vs. the Vikes. It would make all the scenarios play out much less stressful..... Beat the Vikes (who need W's) and then the following Indy game would be nothing but a scrubfest for both sides.... And I think our scrubs are better than their scrubs which should mean another W.....

Interesting that NBC elected to go with San Francisco again this Sunday night on the flex game. SF vs. Seattle should be a good game...however, the Sunday night game in Week 17 (last regular season game) - teams are still to-be-determined....

[Nconroe]

overall, I thought it was a excellent game, but I'd like to see the penalties cleaned up and they can be. But we won our 12th game by 11 points so a very good result.

Braman's punt block and return for TD was a fantastic play.

Posey has shown pretty good at WR, but just the one game, hope that continues.

Running game turned out pretty good once it got going, hope those OL injuries are done with now. Arian could 've had even more yards and a TD other than one of those penalties.

Passing game did real good with AJ getting 11 catches and 151 yards.

Owen Daniels made some very good catches as did Casey.

Defense did excellent all around, pressure on QB ad good coverage by the secondary, other than one long pass play.

ST, had some good plays like Braman's block punt, some good kicks and some good punts, although some inconsistencies need to get cleaned up as well.

[popanot]

Originally Posted by cadams

man there is still a lot of pessimism around here... the texans' defense is definitly not as good as it was last year, and the running game is not as explosive...

things could go bad for the team, and they could lose the divisional round game, but things are set up for them pretty darn well right now.

You basically just pointed out the same concerns I expressed in my post you referenced. I never said the Texans were not in a good position or I think they'll get crushed in the playoffs. I just think when in comparison to some of the contending teams (NFC & AFC), the others are playing better, faster, tougher football right now and are showing far more big play potential and explosiveness than we are. I think my concerns are valid and being realistic, not pessimistic. Trust me, I want nothing more than to see this team get hot and win.