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Texans Five on Five: Week Three


After an emotional win over the Tennessee Titans in Week Two, many Texans fans are worried about the dreaded "let down" game.  Enter the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that is desperate for a win and loaded with talent.  The Jaguars have played two divisional champs from 2008, and these teams always play each other close.  Here are the five matchups that are most important in my opinion in order to prevent a deflating loss.

1.  Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Brian Cushing/DeMeco Ryans/Zac Diles - MJD is one of the best running backs in the league, and the best Jags player.  He runs with power but can also burn defenders in open space.  MJD averaged almost 5 yards per carry last week against the Cardinals, but only received 13 carries because of the necessity to catch up through the air.  The Jaguars are a team that wants to set the tempo of the game through the run, and the Texans have been wholly inconsistent defending it.  Hopefully the Texans linebacking corps can keep the momentum from the fourth quarter last week.

2.  Mario Williams vs. Eugene Monroe - After mounting an early lead, the Cardinals were able to blitz freely last week which resulted in 4 sacks.  Despite playing Dwight Freeney on opening day, Monroe will face his toughest challenge so far against Williams.  The Texans secondary needs all the help it can get, and with only one sack in the season, Mario is primed for a big day.  Last time Mario played the Jags he tallied three sacks.  I know it's a different O-Line this year, but a similar result is more than possible.

3.  Mike Sims-Walker vs. Fred Bennett - After being shut out against the Colts, Sims-Walker managed 6 receptions for 106 yards and a TD against a very good Cardinals secondary.  Bennett still hasn't shown the ability he flashed in his rookie year, but the Texans will need him to step up since Dunta Robinson will likely see more of Torry Holt.  Both need to play better than they have so far.

4.  Andre Johnson vs. Rashean Mathis - It's cliche to cite "our best WR vs. their best CB", but we saw what a difference it makes in the offense when Johnson is able to regularly get free like he did last week.  It is still undetermined if Kevin Walter will be able to make his first start of the season this week or how effective he will be still nursing his hamstring, so Matt Schaub will likely again ask Johnson to shoulder a large load.  Kurt Warner had an amazing day last Sunday, but Larry Fitzgerald only managed 4 catches for 34 yards, largely due to Mathis.

5.  Gary Kubiak vs. Texans' Complacency - After a huge win against the Titans last year, the Texans laid an egg against the Raiders the following week, thus ruining the chance at a first ever winning season in franchise history.  After last week's win, Kubiak made a point of focusing on the things the Texans have to fix rather than reveling in the victory.  Hopefully he kept that message going all week in practice and it will show on the field.

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6. special teams

their gambles vs. Kubiak’s ability to stop them.

This has almost always played a part in the Jags Texans game. I hope we’re ready this time.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Sep 25, 2009 4:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

gambles?

Are you referring to OUR special teams, and Jacoby’s gambling on not trotting out their with his head and hands in his ass, when we line up for a punt return?
I think Del Rio should figure out that his best chance of a 4th down conversion for them would be to just punt it to that assbag.
I sure hope we found a punt returner this week.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Sep 26, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that might be our best strategy

put JJ back there, to make them actually punt it.

Then tell him he’s fined if he comes within 10 yards of the ball.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Sep 26, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So...

Your plan is to expect Jacoby Jones to follow the rules?
Just sayin.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Sep 26, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok

can we put a cardboard cutout of JJ back there, just to be safe?

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Sep 26, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

This game is either going to be a huge blow out…or were going to get beat..

Texnans knew they had to win that last game…will they keep up the explosiveness this game? Or will they take the jags to lightly…I think that is the million dollar question

by schillingb on Sep 25, 2009 4:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

worried about the "let down game"?

or scared shitless?
im the latter…..

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.

by chrisd21 on Sep 25, 2009 4:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Breakout game for Williams.

Yes i think it can happen but I’m not saying it’s overdue just because he has been limited to one sack. He has been in fine form thus far and I only expect more positive results from him as the season progresses

In Canada our balls are bigger

by canadian texan on Sep 25, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kasey Studdard v. Jaguars' Defensive Line

Very interested to see how that matchup turns out.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Sep 25, 2009 4:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We will win....

There is no possible way we can lose.

Our team is the better team and wields incredible firepower!

Victory is assured!!

Oh…wait……

My bad…I thought this was the thread about the US role in Afghanistan…wrong blog. heh…sorry.

"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."

The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related

by TexansForever on Sep 25, 2009 5:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The Jags may use some asymmetrical warfare to beat us

I could see it happening. Our defense against insurgency hasn’t been that good ever since Bush took over.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 26, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Line of scrimmage when the Jags are on offense

If the Texans D-Line is ever going to dominate a game, this has to be the first, the breakout game for them! The Jags O-Line is as young and inexperienced as they come. Gotta do it this weekend!

I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?

by Rip Jersey on Sep 25, 2009 7:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

News that will make y'all feel better about something

Travis Johnson has 0% chance of playing this weekend due to a groin injury… (that is an opening for anyone who wants to provide another thought to this subject)

I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?

by Rip Jersey on Sep 25, 2009 7:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

TJ?

I just puked in my mouth a little

by schillingb on Sep 25, 2009 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Blown Away

Travis Johnson not coming through when his team desperately needs him? Now I’ve seen it all.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Sep 25, 2009 8:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

Damn it to hell

He’s just trying to fuck us out of a 5th Round pick now that he can get all the playing time of a starter. Or he’s a lazy piece of shit. It’s definitely one of those.

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go TexanHornStroKets!

by Shake on Sep 25, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not Good

We need him to play a certain amount of snaps so we get a 5th instead of a 6th rounder. Although I do hate Travis Johnson, and I do hate Norv Turner. I’ll call this a draw.

You know... for kids.

by Jake on Sep 25, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We need him to play...

because the draft pick we receive for him is based on his playing time.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Sep 26, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And don't forget C.C. Brown

starting for Giants. That gave me a good laugh.

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance....

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
You can browse the blog, but you can't participate.
Suck it Cowbitches.

by CFHTim on Sep 26, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any word on Frenchy's availability for the game?

"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady

Still waiting...

by DreKeem on Sep 25, 2009 11:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

La décision sera prise au début du jeu.

As Google translator put it. Or “Game time decision,” per the Texans Friday practice report

by kozanack on Sep 26, 2009 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions   2 recs

Rec'd

That’s right in line with my own bizarre sense of humor.

by knave64 on Sep 26, 2009 12:53 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Let down game??

That’s certainly not out of the realm of possibilities, but I think Our Texans want to prove they have changed to us the fans.
The Texans own the Jags, and I think they make a statement in this game. I don’t think it’s close. I just think it’s wrong place wrong time for the Jags. However MJD will bust a long one, but otherwise held in check.

Schaub needs to make the corner that covers the best WR on planet Earth prove himself and Let Mr. Johnson make some plays. Steve Slaton will bust out of his shell as well.

Maybe I’m just being Maniacal!

GO TEXANS!!!!

This is the year.......

by Texanmaniac on Sep 26, 2009 8:07 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sunday

We’ve got a chance to get above .500 for the first time in quite a while. And 2-0 in the division. That would go a long way for my confidence/mental stability. Here’s to changing the culture of this city.

"Oh, I’m in no condition to drive. Wait a minute. I don’t have to listen to myself. I’m drunk."
-Homer Simpson

by Women B. Shoppin on Sep 26, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Meco on Rome

called the defense “his” guys. Couple that with Pollard saying the players were running practice, and I think there’s some ownership going on. I think the players aren’t gonna let a let down happen this week.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Sep 26, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm telling you...

something has changed about this team.

GO TEXANS!!!!

This is the year.......

by Texanmaniac on Sep 26, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Currently re-watching the Tits game

(Thank Durga for NFL gamepass.)

One thing that stands out is the camaraderie and supportiveness of the players, particularly in defense. I really like that.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Sep 26, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's what my post.....

about The last voice I heard is talking about…this is becoming a “team”

GO TEXANS!!!!

This is the year.......

by Texanmaniac on Sep 26, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

31-21

neither team’s defense will force many three-and-outs, but the Texans will do enough damage on O to outscore the Jags. I sense a monster day for big O. Dizzy as we like to call him – no reason, just a feeling.

thefantasyknowitall@gmail.com
http://thefantasyknowitall.blogspot.com/

by thefantasyknowitall on Sep 26, 2009 9:16 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yo

after being on BadLeftHook for years i finally discovered this blog. what up guys

don’t think this will be a let down. think the texas win handily 28 – 10

The Dude Abides

by battle axe of doom on Sep 26, 2009 9:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The dude abides....

great line from a great movie, welcome:)

GO TEXANS!!!!

This is the year.......

by Texanmaniac on Sep 26, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Welcome, Battle Axe

Glad to have you aboard.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Sep 27, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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