Here's the
Texans Bull Blog preview of the game:
I’m having a difficult time breaking this game down. The Texans have never been in this position before, really. They physically dominated the Colts in week one and are a road favorite heading into week 2. Not only are they a road favorite, there is nothing about tomorrow’s matchup that favors the Redskins. Perhaps the Texans are due for an emotional letdown after that win versus Indianapolis. However, the Redskins had an even more intense and emotional win versus Dallas on Sunday night. So, let us focus on some key matchups on the field and ignore intangibles for week two, since I simply can not figure them out:
Keys to the game:
1. Texans’ offensive line and TEs versus Redskins front 7: The size of the Redskin front 3 could create problems for the O-line, and the ability of Orakpo and A.Carter to rush on the edge will keep the Texans honest and force Schaub to make some quick decisions. I expect a lot of two TE sets. My guess is OD and Dressen will each see significant snaps and they will often play on the line of scrimmage or flanked just behind the Brown and Winston. The TE blocking was a key versus Indianapolis. Even moreso this week, the ability to use TEs to reach the LBs in the run game is a key against 3-4 defenses. Also, Daniels, Dressen, and Casey all will have a significant matchup advantage in the passing game versus Redskin LBs. Carter and Orakpo are essentially DEs… and, Fletcher has lost a step and is at a height disadvantage against the Texan TEs.
2. Better play from Matt Schaub- The Texans don’t have a clear advantage running the ball against Washington as they did versus Indy. In addition to a couple poor throws, Schaub forced some balls into tight spaces and missed open WRs. He may need a cleaner game to win on Sunday. Also, Jacoby Jones needs to catch the ball better. Two balls hit off his hands and almost led to turnovers last week. Last season against New England, Schaub bounced a ball off of Jones’ hands that led to a 70 yard interception return. A couple mistakes like that could turn this game in the Redskins’ favor.
3. Deep Passing Game- Given the aggressive and inexperienced nature of the Redskins safeties, the Texans will have a number of opportunities downfield. Watch for the Andre Johnson deep cross and up. The Texans frequently run a play where AJ reads the safety and either continues on a 15 yard cross or takes it upfield, depending on his read of the safety. That play will be there against Landry and Reed Doughty. Also, the TEs are going to end up with some one on one matchups with LBs. Look for some seam routes from OD and Dressen with Redsking LBs trailing and the safeties out of position in cover 2.
4. Adibi versus Redskin running game- This will be Adibi’s first significant action since early last season. If you recall last preseason, Adibi often overpursued his assignment and was responsible for some long TD runs. The key to the Texans’ success versus the run since week four of last season has been their discipline in the scheme. When everyone does his job along the front 7, even if they can’t make a play, an unblocked Bernard Pollard is there to clean up the trash. Missed assignments more than physical beatings are what lead to big plays in the running game. This is probably my greatest concern… other than turnovers.
5. Texans Front 4 Versus another poor O-line- Once again, Mario and Antonio Smith will have a significant matchup advantage against Redskin tackles. Trent Williams is a rookie, starting his second game and Jamal Brown is a shell of the player he was three years ago. Brown also has injury issues and may not play. If the Texans can control the line of scrimmage with the front 4 and pressure the QB, the lack of playmakers on the Redskin offense will be exposed. However, if the Redskins can somehow push around the Texans, TEs Cooley and Fred Davis will find some room in the middle of the field.
It is hard to imagine the Texans not controlling this game. However, it is also a rather new concept that the Texans are a consistently good team. I am nervous about this game but not because I think they will lose it. Instead, I’m nervous about how awful it will be if they do… They would have to play so poorly, it would be unbelievably frustrating and disappointing. Texans 27 Redskins 13