Getty Images
In a Sunday Night Football matchup, the Texans managed to impress a lot of people with a huge win over the Patriots. They handed the Patriots their second loss of the season. Here are my observations:
The Good
-Deshaun Watson outdueled Tom Brady. Sure the defenses play a major part in this, but it's clear who won this battle and it's not even close. He also knows magic or something. Former Texan John Simon had him wrapped up and was dragging him down, but Watson managed to escape, throw the ball away, and keep 2nd down at 10 yards instead of 20 or more. That drive ended in a touchdown some 10 plays later.
-The defense had Brady so frustrated, he was visibly shook and seen yelling at teammates after their second possession. While the Patriots' offense hasn't been anything to write home about this season, it was still an impressive performance by a unit that lost JJ Watt for the season, traded Jadeveon Clowney, and has resembled a MASH unit at points this season. Not only did they sack Brady three times, they also picked him off once.
-Bill O'Brien deserves some credit. He went up against Bill Belichick, his mentor of sorts, and came out a winner. This doesn't happen often when it comes to Belichick's coaching tree. O'Brien had a great gameplan on both sides of the ball. Although the reverse option with Watson and DeAndre Hopkins scared me, I was impressed. When things work, you're a genius. When they don't, you're an idiot. Won't call him a genius, but he gets kudos for putting together a great game.
The Bad
-Run defense continued to get gashed this game like they have recently. 145 yards on 29 carries averages out to five yards per carry. They weren't hit with homeruns, but gave up a bunch of singles and occasional doubles. Good thing the pass defense stepped up, or this could've gotten out of hand.
-Speaking of the run game, where the hell was the Texans' rushing offense?!? Must've been on a milk carton because it was definitely missing. 21 runs for 54 yards is what I'd call non-existent. That was the one area I thought they could make hay against the Patriots.
-Way too many missed tackles and a couple blown assignments in coverage. Missed tackles are the flat tire when you're running late of football. Blown coverage assignments are the forgot to pay a bill and something is in danger of getting cut off of football. Good thing the Texans were two hours early for work and had a bill credit or else they were in danger of having a bad day.
The Ugly
-The two loosies included with the 3rd round pick for Clowney each made an "impact" on the game early. Barkevious Mingo got a personal foul penalty after Julian Edelman was stopped for a loss. It extended their drive and got them in field goal range for an early 3-0 lead. Jacob Martin whiffed on a sack of Tom Brady. It took Brady about 30 minutes to scramble the 13 yards for a 1st down, but it shows how badly he missed. I know I was a town crier for trading Clowney, but that was when he had his highest value. Martin redeemed himself with a sack and a half, while Mingo did register two tackles.
-On their second possession of the 1st quarter, Laremy Tunsil let Kyle Van Noy run by him and sack Watson like he owed him money. Van Noy didn't even have to make a pass rush move. It was so bad, it looked like point shaving. Somebody check and see what the over/under was on when the first sack would take place or who would get it. Watson was sacked only three times this game. Tunsil better get it together if he's wanting the type of contract extension he's looking for.
-For as good as the defense played against Brady and the pass game, they sure missed sacking him a bunch. The three sacks they recorded were impressive, but that number should've been higher. Brady is nowhere near a Watson when it comes to escapability, but I'm still flabbergasted at how he manages to escape so many sacks. His footwork in the pocket had the Texans' pass rush flabbergasted as well.
If I would've told you the score at halftime would be 14-3 of this game, most people would think it would be in favor of the Patriots. If I said one quarterback looked fairly average while the other looked like an All Pro, you would've thought Brady was the All Pro most lilely. And if I said someone was out-coached, you would've undoubtedly thought it was O'Brien. My how the tables turned in this game. The Texans are now 8-4 with a game lead on the Titans in the AFC South, and are in third place in the AFC playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker over the Chiefs. This means they'll get the 6th seed at home in Wildcard round instead of the 5th seed. Every win means something, especially in the playoff race. Texans fans have a lot to be happy about. They deserve it. Especially those that have supported this franchise unwaveringly over the years. Up next are the hapless, but dangerous Broncos. Don't slip on thew banana peel after walking past the oil slick.
The trade deadline is this Thursday, and Cedric Mullins could be available. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
With the trade deadline less than a week away, the Astros will look to become buyers to maintain their status as one of the best teams in baseball.
It's no secret that Houston is dealing with a myriad of injuries and could make a move or two to help offset their losses.
Astros general manager Dana Brown has already been on the record saying the team will be "prioritizing bats" to improve their roster before the July 31 deadline.
Last year, Houston needed a starting pitcher, so they acquired Yusei Kikuchi before the trade deadline.
This season is the opposite, for the Astros will be looking to add either an infielder or an outfielder to their lineup.
Players like Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez are expected to return in August, but others, such as Isaac Paredes and Jake Meyers, may be out for an extended period. Thus, giving the Astros a need to upgrade both third base and their outfield.
Luckily, there are plenty of players the Astros could pursue to fill those voids.
Willi Castro
Recent reports have connected Houston with Minnesota Twins super utility man Willi Castro.
The 28-year-old is a versatile switch-hitter who can play multiple positions and would essentially be another Mauricio Dubon but with slightly better offensive numbers this season.
The Puerto Rico native has a .254/.342/.423 slash line and 10 homers in 331 plate appearances this year and could give Houston a much-needed consistent bat to help mitigate their offensive struggles.
With the uncertainty of Parades' injury, it would behoove the Astros to move Dubon to third base full-time and make Castro their new utility player if this trade were to come to fruition.
Eugenio Suárez
Multiple teams, including the Astros, have had conversations about acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suárez.
Recent reports have indicated Houston is interested in the 34-year-old slugger and may have the pieces to pull this trade off.
With the injury to Isaac Parades, the Astros need a third baseman to make up for his absence and production.
Suárez would more than fill the hole at third, as he is tied with Kyle Schwarber for second place in the National League in home runs (36) and could see his power numbers increase by playing more games at Daikin Park.
The Venezuelan native will become a free agent at season's end, so it shouldn't cost the Astros a king's ransom to acquire him.
Nolan Arenado
Another third baseman who has been on the Astros' radar is Nolan Arenado.
During the offseason, there was a deal in place to bring the Platinum Glove Award-winning player to Houston. Ultimately, Arenado used his no-trade clause to block the move, as it was indicated he was unsure of the Astros' future.
Fast-forward to July, and the Astros are one of the best teams in baseball, and the Cardinals are a team slightly above .500 with an outside shot to make the postseason.
St. Louis would be willing to move on from Arenado for the right price, and he would be an instant upgrade at third base for the Astros.
This season, the 8x All-Star has seen his offensive numbers decline, but continues to be one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball.
Similar to Suarez, Arenado could see his offensive numbers increase playing at the more hitter-friendly Daikin Park and would give the Astros an upgrade at third base while Parades is out.
Nonetheless, we might want to pump the brakes. According to a recent report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Arenado is no longer being considered a trade option by Houston.
Cedric Mullins
Last month, reports indicated the Astros were in talks with the Orioles about acquiring outfielder Cedric Mullins.
The North Carolina native is posting career-low numbers this season offensively, but a change in scenery could be just what he needs.
Mullins has a career slash line of .249/.317/.423 and would give the Astros an upgrade in centerfield over what they currently have.
Houston currently has either Chas McCormick or Taylor Trammell in center. Mullins could step in and become the everyday center fielder and would likely move to left field once Meyers returns.
The 30-year-old shouldn't cost too much to acquire, for he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Given the Astros' long list of injuries, Mullins could be a much-needed depth piece to give them options in their lineup down the stretch.
Ryan O'Hearn
This season, Ryan O'Hearn is having a career year at the plate and was the American League's starting designated hitter at the All-Star Game.
The former Sam Houston State product will be sought after by multiple teams ahead of Thursday's deadline, as he plays on a last-place Orioles team and has an expiring contract.
O'Hearn would be a low-risk, high-reward rental player the Astros could utilize in the outfield, at first base or as their primary designated hitter until Yordan Alvarez returns and alternate the two in left field and at DH.
Acquiring the 32-year-old shouldn't cost too much and would give the Astros a consistent bat to add to their lineup.
Another starting pitcher
Houston is about to get some reinforcements when pitchers Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, Luis Garcia and J.P. France all return in some capacity from their rehab assignments.
Despite the influx of starting pitchers the team will be receiving, one can never be too safe, and the Astros could still be in the market for more arms.
Sandy Alcantara's name has surfaced in recent trade rumors and would be a dream acquisition if the Astros could acquire the former Cy-Young Award winner.
A more realistic option would be Mitch Keller from the Pirates.
The 29-year-old has a 4-10 record with a 3.53 ERA on a last-place Pittsburgh team that doesn't score a lot of runs (just look at Paul Skenes' run support numbers).
Keller is likely to be on the move before Thursday's deadline, and the Astros could also use another quality starting pitcher to bolster their rotation.
Other options could be Miami Marlins hurler Edward Cabrera or Sonny Gray from the Cardinals, just to name a few.
It is more likely that Houston will look to add position players, but it wouldn't be surprising if the team were to see what pitching options are available ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
So long as Dana Brown makes the right moves and players return from injuries promptly, the Astros will be well-positioned to make another playoff run and remain as one of the best teams in baseball.