Official Texans vs. Browns Game Thread, 12/2/2018

[Keith]

Things have really come together over the past ten weeks for this team in all three phases. Are they a perfect team? Of course not, but this is as solid a team this franchise has possibly ever had. I know they are benefitting from a soft schedule, but they are building confidence and feel as though they can handle any adversity having overcome an 0-3 start.

I have dogged on Zach Cunningham most of the season (and rightfully so), but he played a great game (on his birthday, too, no less). The pick six was awesome, and when RAC uses him appropriately, he can fly all over the field. I think his game has limits, but today I finally saw some of the upside I think the team hoped would surface back when he was drafted.

O'Brien seems to have finally figured out how to be employ Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue as a two-headed backfield. The result has been the best we've seen Miller play into December. Blue is keeping Miller's legs fresher. O'Brien seems to realize that Miller doesn't need to grind out the short yardage stuff, that Blue is actually not too bad at it. Taking incomplete parts and making them better as a function of the whole is one way a head coach can demonstrate his value.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Keith

Things have really come together over the past ten weeks for this team in all three phases. Are they a perfect team? Of course not, but this is as solid a team this franchise has possibly ever had. I know they are benefitting from a soft schedule, but they are building confidence and feel as though they can handle any adversity having overcome an 0-3 start.

I have dogged on Zach Cunningham most of the season (and rightfully so), but he played a great game (on his birthday, too, no less). The pick six was awesome, and when RAC uses him appropriately, he can fly all over the field. I think his game has limits, but today I finally saw some of the upside I think the team hoped would surface back when he was drafted.

O'Brien seems to have finally figured out how to be employ Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue as a two-headed backfield. The result has been the best we've seen Miller play into December. Blue is keeping Miller's legs fresher. O'Brien seems to realize that Miller doesn't need to grind out the short yardage stuff, that Blue is actually not too bad at it. Taking incomplete parts and making them better as a function of the whole is one way a head coach can demonstrate his value.

The RB usage has been excellent the last 2 weeks. Miller is feasting on cutbacks all the way to the backside of zone plays. The backside end is permanently attached to Watson so it's like free money. Blue meanwhile has been used like a less showy version of Marian Barber. Bring him in to pound out yards with a lead. Blue isn't huge but he gets the best of every collision that happens on a football team. He's the classic guy who 'if you need 3 yards he gets you 3 yards, and if you need 5 yards he gets you 3 yards.'

[chuck]

This team has a lot of obvious problems, but I am slowly realizing that we're maybe one TMZ shown Tyreek Hill headlock away from being able to beat anyone in the AFC.

There are a lot of really good teams in the AFC and the playoffs, however they shake out, are setting up to be great.

[HPF Bob]

We are finally seeing what happens when a healthy Watt and Clowney are on the field at the same time while enough other veteran talent is around that can't be ignored.

I'd love to see us have a first-round bye for once. The table is set.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

We are finally seeing what happens when a healthy Watt and Clowney are on the field at the same time while enough other veteran talent is around that can't be ignored.

I'd love to see us have a first-round bye for once. The table is set.

It's right there for the taking. They may have to win out. The Texans biggest challenge will be getting by 6-6 Indy and 6-6 Philadelphia - assuming they will win against the Jets and Jags. New England only has Pittsburgh as a serious challenge. OTOH, KC has 3 weeks of Ravens, Chargers and Seahawks - gonna be tough to get through that unscathed. KC "failing" might be the way in but the Texans will still have to take care of their own business and continue winning......