FALCON POINTS
Let's discuss a controversial move the Texans must consider
Dec 9, 2020, 8:00 am
You never know what could happen. Composite image by Jack Brame.
Let's discuss 4 outside the box trade scenarios for the Texans
It sounded crazy at the time, but there might be something to a theory A.J. Hoffman threw out on The Blitz on Monday.
Should the Texans sit Deshaun Watson for the rest of the season?
The reasons do make sense. Next year, the team should be better with a new coaching staff and some key acquisitions. Do you really want to risk injury in games that mean nothing? It's not like he will be developing chemistry with next year's receivers. It's not like he needs to learn more of an offense he won't be running. A major knee injury at this time of year could put the start of 2021 in jeopardy.
Would fans revolt? Probably. But would it have any impact on partially full stadiums? Absolutely not. Of course, the NFL would balk because of "integrity" issues, but they lost all right to that argument when they let the Broncos play with a practice squad receiver at quarterback. Worst case, you fake a hamstring injury and sit him. And let's take it a step beyond: While you are at it, give Laremy Tunsil a groin injury. Why take a chance on your two key players in a lost season?
The benefits are obvious, but Romeo Crennel would not make that call. It would have to come from higher up, specifically Cal McNair. Watson and Tunsil would probably balk, but even they have to see the big picture.
The negatives? These meaningless games become even more meaningless. Watson is one of the few players worth watching on the team. It's also something that just isn't done, although players skipping bowl games in college is a bit of a precedent, as is teams sitting stars when playoff berths are settled. Some of the other players might not approve, but it would make sense for the team to get some younger players some playing time and treat it like preseason games.
Of course it sounds silly on the surface. But diving in, would it really be that odd of a decision? And would it be the right one?
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The Houston Texans head to Green Bay this weekend to play in one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season.
On offense, the Texans will look to maintain the boost Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce provided to the running game last week against the Patriots.
Despite Houston's success with the ground game against the Pats, there are some concerns. Most of the production came from two explosive runs. They ranked in the Bottom 5 in success rate (26.9%) and Top 10 in stuff rate (23.1%) amongst all teams in Week 6.
Despite the volume against New England, Houston's run game on Sunday:
Ranked Bottom 5 in success rate (26.9%) and Top 10 in stuff rate (23.1%) amongst all teams in Week 6.
Lots of inefficient runs with huge gains sprinkled in-between. Is that sustainable? #HTownMade
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) October 15, 2024
Air it out
The passing game once again will go through Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs with Nico Collins sidelined. Dell received a large portion of the downfield work that Collins had been doing.
Tank posted the highest route win rate and average separation score for Houston in Week 6, per Jacob Gibbs, and Fantasy Points Data.
In what should be a high scoring game, expect Dell to be Stroud's main target downfield.
What about the defense?
The Texans defense is 30th in EPA against play action, so don't be surprised if that's how the Packers will try to get some big plays down field.
D'Angelo Ross stepped in at corner with Kamari Lassiter injured last week. He lined up at the left corner spot, where Packers receiver Christian Watson will likely run the majority of his routes this week.
With Derek Stingley lining up outside on the right, he'll be facing Romeo Doubs a majority of the time. We expect Doubs will have a quiet day and the Packers will target Watson against Ross, and Jayden Daniels in the slot versus Jalen Pitre.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has been dialing up the blitz more and more. And that looks like a good idea once again this week, as Love is 28th in QBR when blitzed this season.
What does Vegas think?
The Packers are favored by 2.5 points, with the total set at 47.5 points.
There are so many more angles to cover in this exciting matchup. Don't miss the video above as we break it all down! And head to the SportsMap Texans YouTube channel right after the game as we react live!