Tom Brady can only be stopped by passing out and missing the game. Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
It’s time for our Week 9 Recap. With the season half way over, this week wasn’t anything special. In fact, the noon games were the least intriguing that they have been all year.
Niners vs Raiders
Raise your hand if you’ve ever watched film on someone named Nick Mullens. All right then. *sigh*
Just when we thought the Steelers locker room was a reality TV disaster... Gruden with the “hold my beer” challenge accepted.
Panthers vs Bucs
Well. I see Fitzmagic left his pixie dust at home. You’re garbage Tampa, it’s a wrap.
Dolphins vs Jets
Wow. Just wow. This combined score was barely over two touchdowns. I’ve seen peewee football games put up more points.
Bears vs Bills
We’re just going to pull the plug on the Bills for the remainder of the season. Thank you for your dedication with the dildos and showing up to the practice facility... or did you? Either way, you’re no longer needed.
Sincerely, the NFL
Lions vs Vikings
Was I that drunk or did the Lions really fake miss a pass to themselves and let the Vikes run it into the endzone? *Smh* Boy I tell ya.
Texans vs Broncos
What I really want to say: Denver’s coach gave Houston that win.
*scrolls down easiest schedule*
What I’m told to say: Congrats Houston. On your sixth totally awesome win. The football world is yours!
Saints vs Rams
Finally! A football game. Someone wise once said, “If there’s two teams that can take down the Rams, it’s the Saints and the Eagles.” Name a better matchup than these two teams. I’ll wait. This game did exactly what I told you it would, come down to which QB you have more faith in. One time for the GOAT, Mr. Brees himself.
Packers vs Patriots
I waited all week to see this game. I also fell asleep before half time. I expected more guys...
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How Texans' CJ Stroud got the last laugh on Panthers entire organization
Nov 30, 2023, 4:56 pm
“Another one!”- DJ Khaled
That's the first thing that came to mind when I heard the news of Tytus Howard being shut down for the season because of a knee injury. They've had more injuries on the offensive line this season than Nick Cannon has Father's Day cards. Almost every member of the offensive line has spent time on the injury report. Howard went down in the same game in which Juice Scruggs was finally on the active roster. He missed the first 10 games due to a hamstring injury. The irony of next man up has never been so in your face.
The other thing that came to mind was the soap opera As the World Turns.
Howard had just signed an extension this offseason. So did Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason. They drafted Juice Scruggs, and signed a few guys too. Those moves, along with other holdovers, were expected to fill out the depth chart. Then a rash of injuries struck. At one point, only one of the original five guys expected to start was playing! In fact, they beat the Steelers 30-6 with that backup offensive line!
One can't have the expectation of backups to perform as good as the starters. They're professionals and are on an NFL roster for a reason. However, the talent gap is evident. One thing coaching, technique, and preparation can't cover is lack of ability or talent. The Texans have done a good job of navigating the injury minefield this season. While the Howard injury will hurt, I have faith in the guys there still.
As of this writing, the Texans are in the eighth spot in the AFC playoff picture. The Steelers, Browns, and Colts are all in front of them at the fifth through seventh spots respectfully. They've beaten the Steelers already. They play the Browns on Christmas Eve and their starting quarterback is out for the season. The Colts are relying on the ghost of Gardner Minshew to steer their ship into the last game of the season vs. the Texans with a possible playoff trip on the line. The Broncos and Bills are the two teams immediately behind them. They play the Broncos this weekend. Even though they're on a hot streak, this is the same team that got 70 put on them by the Dolphins. The Bills are the old veteran boxer who still has some skill, but is now a stepping stone for up & comers.
To say this team should still make the playoffs would be an understatement in my opinion. I believe in them and what they have going on more than I believe in the teams I listed above. That includes teams around them in the playoff race that aren't on their schedule. The one thing that scares me a little moving forward is the sustainability of this line. When guys get up in age as athletes, it becomes harder to come back from injuries. The injuries also tend to occur more frequently when it's a knee, foot, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or another body part critical to blocking for C.J. Stroud.
I know they just re-signed three of those guys and drafted one they believe can be a starter, but depth and contingency plans are a way of life in the NFL. We see how important depth was this season. Why not plan ahead? Don't be surprised if the Texans spend valuable draft capital on the offensive line. By valuable, I'm talking about first through third or fourth rounders. Those are prime spots to draft quality offensive lineman. Whether day one starters or quality depth, those are the sweet spots. The only guy on the two deep depth chart for this offensive line that wasn't drafted in one of those rounds was George Fant, who was an undrafted rookie free agent. While I highly doubt they spend any significant free agency dollars on the group, I'm not totally ruling it out.
The bottom line is, this team will be okay on the line for the remainder of this season. The only way that doesn't happen, more injuries. Stroud is clearly the franchise guy. Protecting that investment is a top priority. I don't care about a number one receiver, or a stud stable or singular running back if the quarterback won't have time to get them the ball. If the pilot can't fly the plane, you know what happens. So making sure he's happy, healthy, and has a great crew is of the utmost importance.