EVERY-THING SPORTS
Here's what to make of all the latest trades that impact Houston sports
Jul 28, 2021, 2:29 pm
EVERY-THING SPORTS
Last week, I took a look at the different trade scenarios all three Houston teams should look into. Turns out, some of them actually listened! While there weren't any blockbuster deals worked out, there were a couple deals either completed or rumored to be in the works:
Astros
The Astros made a move on Tuesday to acquire relievers Kendall Graveman (0.82 ERA this season in 30 games over 33 innings) and Rafael Montero from the Mariners for third baseman Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith. The idea of divisional incest trades is peculiar enough. When you add to the fact that you got one of the better relievers away from a division rival who's also making a push for a playoff spot and did very little to nothing to weaken your position, this should be applauded. However, James Click has more to do. This was a mere Band-Aid to cover a gapping wound. There's more work to be done, and Click's legacy as a general manager is in the balance because this team is built to contend.
Editor's note: Chandler Rome is reporting the Astros are trading for Marlins reliever Yimi Garcia. Garcia is a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher with a 3.47 ERA who has appeared in 39 games this season.
The deal is not official yet, but the Astros have an agreement in place to send minor league outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to Miami in exchange for reliever Yimi García, a source confirms.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 28, 2021
Texans
Last week, I thought the Texans should offload a running back to the Rams considering they lost their starter. This week, news came down that disgruntled Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants Randall Cobb back in Green Bay as a part of his conditional return. Who would've thought that the Texans would find an out for one of the worst contracts on their roster through another team's struggle?
A welcome-back gift for Aaron Rodgers: the Texans are trading former Packers' WR Randall Cobb back to Green Bay, per Randall Cobb. Cobb has been a longtime favorite of Rodgers.
But this trade's for Aaron.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2021
This deal seems to be done according to all reports. If there are other guys on this roster that teams may be interested in, whether because of injury or necessity, Nick Caserio should be open to making trades. The one big trade they're able to make is on hold until either: A) a team is desperate enough, B) they get offered something they can't refuse, or C) the coast is clear and a deal is on the table. The Watson Watch is officially on.
Editor's note: The Texans will receive a 6th round pick in exchange for Randall Cobb.
The #Packers are trading a 2022 sixth-round pick to the #Texans for WR Randall Cobb, source said. Houston is also expected to pay $3 million of Cobb's salary to facilitate the deal. Aaron Rodgers gets his man.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2021
Rockets
With the Pistons trying to send a smokescreen about the number one pick, the Rockets are in a great position. No matter who the Pistons select, the Rockets will have a player available that can be a game changer. IF they decide to trade the pick, they're in position to get a good haul. More than likely if a trade comes, it won't be with their number two overall pick. Rumors continue to swirl about Eric Gordon and one of their later picks (23 or 24) going to the Pacers for the number thirteen pick. Whatever they decide to do, they need to make the correct pick at number two, and make the subsequent proper picks. If they decide to trade, they need to get rid of some long term contracts for shorter contracts and/or picks. I'm not as confident in Rafael Stone to do the right thing, but I'm glad Matt Bullard is there to help out.
It's an exciting time for Houston sports fans. That is if you're into roster building. Each team has the ability to help build their roster over the next few days/weeks/months that could help propel each into further success in the future. For now, we wait and see what Click, Caserio, and Stone will do. Here's to hoping moves are made that will have long term positive effects on each roster.
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
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