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Examining the parallels between the Texans and the media

Examining the parallels between the Texans and the media
Neither get it right 100% of the time. Composite image by Brandon Strange.

The Texans have their next head coach in Lovie Smith. General manager Nick Caserio and Texans brass made the hire despite going through an exhausting process. Process. That word will come up a time or ten. I use the phrase "exhausting" because it felt like the longest time between David Culley's firing and Smith's hiring. Rumors and speculation ran a muck. Some fans were irritated. Others were patient. There are always the extremists who were either wildly furious about any & everything, or overly trusting of the organization thinking this will result in great success sooner than later.

The media did the best they could with what they had. Some got bad info from good sources and got roasted. Others got good info from good sources and were seen as conquering heroes. Either way, they did their jobs because they ran with info from their sources, put stories/reports out as they came, and drove conversation. Whether you agree or not, like it or not, it is what it is. This is the way sausage is made. It's not an easy or pretty process, but everyone loves the end result. Especially when you get the right crispiness on the casing, so it gives you a slight crunch, but still juicy flavorful bite.

This is much the same way with the Texans organization. Sometimes, they do things and get them right, sometimes they will do things and get them wrong. Either way, you'll choose whether you'll consume the product and in what way you choose to do so. Lots of fans decided not to show up this past season. Seats and even the popular tailgating was noticeably more spacious than it's ever been. Casuals definitely tuned out. Hardcore fans were there no matter what. The group that decided to protest with their wallets can factor in for NFL teams, but only to a certain extent. An NFL team is the closest thing to a for sure investment in this country as anything else.

Whether they got this right or not is debatable. How they went about making the decision shouldn't get to people as much as this did. In the end, everyone is looking for this team to be a winner. They want something to be proud of. They need ammo in those trash talking sessions, especially with fans of that other team up I-45. You need history to fight those history majors.

I really hope and think Lovie Smith will do well here. Smith, along with Dusty Baker and Stephen Silas may be the first group of black men to helm a city's three major pro sports teams. Will he coach this team to a playoff appearance? It's possible, if he's given the right amount of time and the roster is rebuilt/retooled into respectability to go along with their competitiveness. Smith had the defense playing very well at times. They kept the offense in games, or as close as they could, with the turnovers they'd create. Smith is known for his defensive coaching prowess. Keeping Pep Hamilton on as the offensive coordinator could prove to be a steal if he can make the team's next franchise quarterback a star. Tall order when the one they have is as good as gone and will hopefully net them the building blocks they need.

I propose a toast: To Lovie's success, and sausage. Let us all enjoy both without worrying how we arrived at either!

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The Texans can make a statement with a win against Detroit! Composite Getty Image.

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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