3 indisputable reasons the Astros should not re-sign Gerrit Cole
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE PRESENTED BY TIGHT ENDS SPORTS BAR & GRILL
12 November 2019
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE PRESENTED BY TIGHT ENDS SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Gerrit Cole is no lock to return to the Astros with rumors that he would prefer to play on the West Coast.
Houston reportedly will make him a competitive long-term offer, but if he's looking to go to the highest bidder a return to the Astros is unlikely.
ESPN 97.5's John Granato, A.J. Hoffman, and Raheel Ramzanali share some reasons why the Astros should not re-sign Gerrit Cole. SportsMap Roundtable presented by Tight Ends Sports Bar & Grill.
Coming off a thrilling comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Houston Texans prepare to host Josh Allen and the Bills this weekend.
On offense, the Texans could really use some contributions from players not named CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, and Stefon Diggs. Fortunately for the Texans, Tank Dell is expected to return from a chest injury this week, that kept him sidelined against the Jags.
Getting the tight ends and running backs involved in the passing game would also go a long way against a defense as stout as the Bills'.
Speaking of running backs, Houston may have to rely on Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbuwale again this week, as Joe Mixon and Damien Pierce still haven't returned to practice.
Houston #Texans Thursday Injury Report for Week 5 vs. the Buffalo Bills: pic.twitter.com/wmcDnMcSeG
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) October 3, 2024
Another area the team will look to clean up for the third straight week is penalties. They are dead last in the NFL, having committed 40 penalties through just four games.
Another way the Texans can get the offense going is by being more effective on early downs. They are currently in the bottom five in success rate and EPA (expected points added) per play on early downs.
They are relying on Stroud and Collins to save the day way too often on 3rd and long.
Texans defense
The defense will have their hands full with superstar QB Josh Allen. If they play like they did last week against a QB of Allen's caliber, it's highly unlikely they come away with a win.
Corner Kamari Lassiter was beat several times over the top against the Jags, but fortunately for him, Trevor Lawrence wasn't able to connect, overthrowing his receivers multiple times.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid will present a challenge for this Texans defense as well. He's an athletic playmaker that Allen will look to target frequently. Especially if his top receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is unable to play.
X-factors
Outside of last week's loss to the Ravens, Buffalo has scored at least 31 points in every game. The Texans' offense will need to put some points on the board if they expect to win this week.
Stefon Diggs is once again playing against his former team. He'll want to perform well in what sets up to be a revenge game.
What does Vegas think?
The Bills are favored by a point, with the total sitting at 47.5 points.
There's so much more to get to, including our predictions for the game and much more. Be sure to watch the video above for the full preview of Bills vs. Texans!