How Texans spooky defense can put final nail in Jets season on Halloween

Prime-time Clash

How Texans spooky defense can put final nail in Jets season on Halloween
Tricks, treats, and touchdowns! Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans have a short week ahead of them as they head to the East Coast to play the New York Jets this Thursday, Halloween night.

The Jets are coming off a disappointing loss to the lowly Patriots, while the Texans came away with a costly win, as Stefon Diggs injured his knee will miss the rest of the season.

With Nico Collins also still out, the Texans may have to rely on Joe Mixon and the running game this week. But the Jets are fully aware Houston has struggled to protect CJ Stroud, so Mixon won't be sneaking up on their talented defense.

Even though the Jets lost to the Patriots, they were able to hold running back Rhamondre Stevenson to 48 yards on 20 carries. Stevenson was able to score 2 TDs against the Jets, however.

Things are getting heated

New York is getting crushed in the media this week for slipping to 2-6 against the Pats, so the Texans should have their hands full with an angry team looking to make a statement on national television. One factor to keep in mind is that the Jets knocked Patriots QB Drake Maye out with a concussion.

Let's not forget, they also knocked Stroud out with a concussion as a rookie last year. So this is a physical defense that shouldn't be taken lightly.

X-factors

Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein has struggled recently, and that continued on Sunday as he missed two more kicks. Houston should definitely have the advantage in the kicking game with Ka'imi Fairbairn.

The Texans defense looked terrific against the Colts this week, but they haven't been as dominant on the road. QB Anthony Richardson missed some throws downfield that could have gone for touchdowns with better QB play.

If Aaron Rodgers is able to connect on those opportunities, it could spell trouble for the Texans. And when it comes to playmakers, the Jets are loaded with Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall.

What does Vegas think?

The Jets are favored by a point at home, and the total is set at 42.

Don't miss the video above as we examine some of the most important matchups to watch this week!

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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.

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Texans defeat the Dolphins 20-12. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Nico Collins had two touchdown receptions and Houston’s defense forced four turnovers, highlighted by two fourth-quarter interceptions by Derek Stingley, to help the Texans to a 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

It’s the second straight victory for the Texans (9-5), who can clinch the AFC South title for a second straight season with a loss by the Colts later Sunday.

Don't miss the video below as the crew from Texans on Tap reacts live to the win on YouTube!

Collins had a 6-yard TD reception in the second quarter and his second 6-yard scoring grab made it 20-6 in the third. That score was set up by a 35-yard run by Dare Ogunbowale on a fake punt.

Tua Tagovailoa threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jonnu Smith with about 4½ minutes left in the third quarter, but the kick failed to cut the lead to 20-12.

The Dolphins were driving again with about 10½ minutes left when Stingley hopped in front of Tyreek Hill to grab an interception at the Houston 20.

The Texans had two drives after that, but had to punt both times to give the Dolphins a last chance. Stingley came through again, intercepting another pass intended for Hill to recure the win.

C.J. Stroud threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns for Houston on a day Joe Mixon managed just 23 yards rushing on 12 carries after being shaken up by a hard hit early.

Tagovailoa lost a fumble and threw three interceptions for Miami (6-8) on a day he played without starting tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm. Tagovailoa threw for 196 yards.

There was a scary scene in the third quarter when Miami receiver Grant DuBose was taken off the field on a stretcher after a helmet-to-helmet hit. The team said he is in stable condition and being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

DuBose tried to make a catch in the third quarter, but was hit in the head by rookie Calen Bullock before his head violently hit the turf. Bullock was given a flag for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.

DuBose remained on the field for more than 10 minutes as he was tended to by emergency medical personnel. His jersey was cut off him and a neck brace was put on him while players from both teams watched with concern.

DuBose was eventually put on a spine board where his arms and legs were strapped down and he was taken off the field. A tube of some kind was in his mouth and no movement could be seen as he was taken off the field.

The Texans got a 44-yard field goal on their first possession and the Dolphins tied it with a 55-yard field goal early in the second.

Will Anderson Jr. sacked Tagovailoa from his blind side, causing a fumble which Tim Settle recovered on the Miami 28. Stroud put the Texans on top when he scrambled away from pressure and found Collins in the end zone for his first TD about seven minutes before halftime.

Miami cut the lead to 10-6 on a 36-yard field goal with about two minutes left in the second quarter.

Stroud wasn’t ready for a snap on Houston’s next drive and it bounced off his chest for a fumble which the Dolphins recovered.

But they came away empty when Tagovailoa was intercepted by Bullock four plays later. Bullock returned it 68 yards to the Miami 5 and the Texans added a field goal at the end of the half to extend the lead to 13-6.

Injuries

Miami WR Jaylen Waddle sustained a knee injury in the second quarter and didn’t return. …Houston TE Cade Stover missed the game after having an emergency appendectomy Saturday night. … DT Foley Fatukasi injured an ankle in the second quarter and didn’t return.

Up next

Dolphins: host San Francisco next Sunday.

Texans: visit Kansas City on Saturday.

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