Critical opportunities Houston Texans must seize versus Broncos to resume playoff march
TEXANS ON TAP
28 November 2023
The Houston Texans will look to get back on track this week against the Broncos, who are suddenly back in playoff contention after ripping off five straight wins.
Too bad Houston didn't get to play the Broncos earlier in the season.
The Texans host Russel Wilson and company this Sunday at NRG and are currently 3.5 point favorites. Vegas is expecting a lot of points as they set the total at 47, the second-highest of the week.
After two straight games with over 100 yards rushing, Devin Singletary and the Texans rushing game came crashing back down to Earth with 32 rushing yards combined between Singletary and Dameon Pierce.
Things could change this Sunday, with the Broncos allowing the most rushing yards per game (155.18). To be fair, many of the Broncos stats are skewed with their terrible start to the season, and a game in which they allowed a whopping 70 points to the Dolphins.
During Denver's winning streak, they held the Chiefs and Bills to 9 and 22 points, respectively. But the one edge the Texans have over almost every team in the NFL is quarterback play.
The Texans and CJ Stroud are 1st in passing yards per game (297.6) and 4th in total yards per game (396.4).
So who will come out ahead in this critical matchup?
Check out the video above for a full early breakdown of the game, plus predictions. And go Texans!
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.
