Official Texans vs. Bengals Game Thread, 12/24/2016

[HPF Bob]

I would be shocked if Lamar Miller saw the field next week so take out the best weapon. Titans tend to goon it up when they have nothing to play for so there may be other DNPs just for precaution.

A #3 seed would be terrific but the odds are against it. With Derek Carr breaking his leg, the 6-3-2 side of the bracket looks like an engraved invitation to the AFC Championship Game for whomever is the #3 seed. But you can bet the suits want Steelers-Patriots now and will send the refs out to make sure they get it.

All O'Brien needs to do is not lose as badly in the first round as last year to be able to declare "progress was made" and a justification for maintaining the status quo.

[nunusguy]

It's gonna be interesting to see how O'Brien prepares for and handles the game with the Titans ?
Stepping up to the #3 seed would be desirable but so would resting starters
for the playoff game the following week in NRG.
I'd like to see Savage get some more game reps in Nashville but not behind our reserve OLine. Jez he go beat up enough behind the starters yesterday.
I hope O'Brien & Smith make the OLine their absolute top priority in the upcoming Draft.

[HPF Bob]

You'd think it would be obvious but then it was obvious last offseason and we got deep threats instead.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

It's gonna be interesting to see how O'Brien prepares for and handles the game with the Titans ?
Stepping up to the #3 seed would be desirable but so would resting starters
for the playoff game the following week in NRG.
I'd like to see Savage get some more game reps in Nashville but not behind our reserve OLine. Jez he go beat up enough behind the starters yesterday.
I hope O'Brien & Smith make the OLine their absolute top priority in the upcoming Draft.

The decision probably gets made for him today. If Pittsburgh wins, we rest up next week. If Baltimore wins, we play for #3.

With as bad as we've played, there is a fair chance we end up with the #3 seed and a home game against the Matt Moore led Dolphins in the wildcard round, with a game against the Matt McGloin led Raiders looming. It reminds me of when Rex Ryan and the Jets lucked their way into the AFC championship game and it convinced the NYJ ownership he was a good coach and guaranteed the decade of mediocrity to follow. I hope we don't stumble into an accidental playoff run that confirms O'Brien and Smith for the next 5+ years.

[Keith]

If the #3 seed is not in play next weekend, then after Lamar Miller, the most obvious to rest and protect starts with Clowney. Probably Mercilus, too. Another defensive shutdown is the best way to advance in the next round of the playoffs. Corners have been beat up too... Hated to see Bouye go down last night, even if it just meant missing one play.

Protecting Savage would be nice as well... starting to wonder how fragile he might be. But game reps are needed. To paraphrase the owner talking about Osweiler, it's kinda like Savage's rookie season here.