![Here's a quick peek at the Houston Texans 2021 schedule](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUzOTk3Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc1MDc4MzU3M30.6Y6w3PfeV8_4rYMiH9n-kXhbmdaw1kbPFihMTlRpa14/img.png?width=1200&height=675)
How many games will the Texans win? Composite image by Jack Brame.
We found out on Wednesday morning that the Texans will be hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars Week 1 at NRG. According to the Vegas oddsmakers, the Jaguars are favored by 1.5 points despite starting rookie QB Trevor Lawrence on the road in his first NFL game.
The big news on Wednesday night involves the NFL's reveal of the rest of the 2021 schedule. Check out the Texans schedule below and be sure to leave your predictions in the comment section on social media. We'll have a full breakdown of the Texans entire schedule on Thursday, so be sure to come back to SportsMap for an in-depth discussion.
Week One: Jacksonville @ Houston
Week Two: Houston @ Cleveland
Week Three: (TNF) Carolina @ Houston
Week Four: Houston @ Buffalo
Week Five: New England @ Houston
Week Six: Houston @ Indianapolis
Week Seven: Houston @ Arizona
Week Eight: Los Angeles Rams @ Houston
Week Nine: Houston @ Miami
Week Ten: BYE
Week Eleven: Houston @ Tennessee
Week Twelve: New York Jets @ Houston
Week Thirteen: Indianapolis @ Houston
Week Fourteen: Seattle @ Houston
Week Fifteen: Houston @ Jacksonville
Week Sixteen: Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston
Week Seventeen: Houston @ San Francisco
Week Eighteen: Tennessee @ Houston
The Houston Texans 2021 Schedule Release is being served 🍚
Experience gameday together » https://t.co/aKFLCi7IZ9 #WeAreTexans | @FriedRiceArt pic.twitter.com/Gd9mOuloIB
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 12, 2021
How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.