REALLY?
How latest Houston Texans disrespect might be the most egregious
Jan 19, 2024, 3:16 pm
Baker Mayfield over CJ Stroud? Composite Getty Image.
cj-meek
The last two weeks have been a coming out party for the Houston Texans and their startling rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
First they went into Indianapolis and defeated the Colts, 23-19, in a do-or-die game with the post-season at stake. The Texans victory flipped the switch from earlier in the season when the Colts came to Houston and beat the Texans 31-20. This time, Stroud, growing stronger and more confident by the week, went 20-26 for 264 yards and two touchdowns and the Texans were suddenly, improbably, logic defyingly in the playoffs.
Last week in the wild card round, the Cleveland Browns entered the game a solid 3-point road favorite only to get demolished, 45-14 by Stroud and the Texans in a final score that really wasn’t that close. Again the Texans exacted revenge for an earlier loss against the Browns. Stroud merely went 16-21 for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a hospital-grade surgical performance.
Still it seems that some football analysts didn’t get their invitation to the Texans party. Doubters may say, sure Stroud is putting up numbers, but look who he’s been up against? Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew was a barely average journeyman, a stop gap at best. Browns quarterback Joe Flacco was a croaky quarterback whose dream bubble was going to burst at some point.
Maybe this is why ESPN football analyst Dan Orlovsky doesn’t have Stroud on his Top Five List of Scariest Quarterbacks Remaining.
1. Lamar Jackson
2. Josh Allen
3. Patrick Mahomes
4. Baker Mayfield
5. Jordan Love
Remember, there are only eight teams left in the Super Bowl running. Stroud doesn’t crack Orlovsky’s Top 5?
Here are the Vegas odds to win the Super Bowl.
1. San Francisco 49ers.
2. Baltimore Ravens.
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Detroit Lions
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Houston Texans.
Again, only eight teams are left in the Super Bowl hunt.
What will the doubters say if the Texans go into M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday and leave with a win to reach the AFC Conference Championship game? That would be unchartered waters for the Texans.
And what if Stroud outplays Jackson, who appears a lock to win his second MVP? Jackson isn’t a seat filler or creaky veteran living on a prayer. Jackson is a historically great quarterback in the full bloom of his prime.
The Texans are 9.5-point underdogs against Baltimore, the longest odds on the board. I get it, it would be a shocker if the Texans win and Stroud puts up his typically, ridiculously efficient numbers against the Ravens defense.
I’m not betting against them.
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Mar 27, 2025, 11:55 am
The Houston Rockets, riding a three-game road winning streak, head to Salt Lake City on Thursday night to take on the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. EDT.
Team outlook
Houston (47-26) sits second in the Western Conference and has been dominant in recent weeks, winning nine of its last 10 games. The Rockets have thrived in blowout situations, going 21-9 in games decided by 10 or more points.
Utah (16-57) has endured a rough season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Jazz have lost nine of their last 10 and are just 7-39 against conference opponents. Despite their struggles, they remain a strong team on the offensive glass, ranking sixth in the West with 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, led by Walker Kessler’s 4.6 per contest.
Key matchups
Kessler has been a bright spot for the Jazz, averaging 11.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Collin Sexton has also stepped up recently, averaging 14.1 points over the last 10 games.
For Houston, Alperen Sengun continues to shine with averages of 19 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Dillon Brooks has also been on a tear, hitting 3.1 three-pointers per game in his last 10 contests.
By the numbers
- The Jazz average 113.6 points per game but give up 120.1, a troubling disparity.
- Houston allows just 108.8 points per game in its last 10 contests, a major reason for its recent dominance.
- Utah’s 13.9 made three-pointers per game could be a factor against a Rockets defense that allows 12.1 per contest.
Injury report
The Jazz will be without several key players, including Lauri Markkanen (illness), John Collins (ankle), Taylor Hendricks (fibula), and Jordan Clarkson (foot).
The Rockets list Amen Thompson as day-to-day (ankle), while Reed Sheppard is out with a thumb injury.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Rockets will look to keep rolling and take care of business against a short-handed Jazz squad.
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