*****Note: I had to change my Panthers/Vikings pick due to the injury to Peterson, and the return of Smith. The information I received on those two players was after I posted my picks on 09/16. Thanks***********
With the start of the new season only 24 hours away, the Texans find themselves in uncharted territory. Just two years removed from a dismal 2-14 record, the Texans finished with a franchise best 8-8 last year. Most would agree that the Texans would have made it into the play-offs if injuries didn't play a key role in stopping them. They lead the league last year with 17 people on the injury list. Despite having so many people out last year, only 3 remain on the IR from last years team. Good news heading into the new season.
There are, however, a few key things the Texans are going to have to do if they want to improve from last years record and take the next step in becoming a play-off team. It's not going to be easy, but it can be done.
1. Division wins- The Texans finished 1-5 in divisional games last year. Granted the AFC South is probably the toughest division around, but you need to improve on your win/loss record within your own division. This is the overall breakdown since 2002. Colts 1/11, Jaguars 7/5, Titans 2/10
2. Stay Healthy- Schaub (QB) missed 5 games and part of two others last year. Johnson (WR) missed 7 games. Robinson (CB) missed 7 games. Green (RB) only 216 yards. Still, even with all the injuries the Texans had, they still managed to set franchise records in- points, average yards per play, touchdowns, passing touchdowns, total yards per game, kick-off returns, punt returns, and sacks. Not bad!
3. Protect the ball- We all know that turnovers kill a team, and the Texans have had problems in the past with turning the ball over.
4. Touchdowns not Field Goals- Not to take anything away from Kris Brown, who is probably the best Kicker out there, but the Texans need to score touchdowns in the red zone to compete with higher caliber offenses.
Expectations could not be higher for this team and the fans. Coach Kubiak has made some good moves, but there are still a few pieces missing from the puzzle. Dunta Robinson will be a big help on the defensive side when he returns in six weeks. Steve Slaton (RB) has shown some skills in the preseason. I think he will be a difference maker and help the running game out tremendously. Mario Williams is coming off a season high 14 sacks and should only improve on that. The addition of some new key players are going to make this a team to watch. 2 months ago I said the Texans would finish 8-8 again this year. I hope they can prove me wrong.
With 13 weeks of the NFL in the books, the playoff picture is just about ready to be etched in stone. Three NFC divisions have clinched, 2 of which were no surprise (Dallas in the East and Green Bay in the North) with Seattle winning the West and the NFC South still open because of Tampa Bay’s inability to beat the Texans Sunday. Now Tampa Bay will have to wait one more week since the New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. Don’t worry Buc’s fans Tampa will clinch next Sunday. That will leave room for only 2 more teams to hold the 5th and 6th NFC wildcard positions. Who will they be you ask?
This, in my opinion, was one of the easiest decisions I have had to make today. It was harder for me to decide if I should actually wait and post this after tonight’s game to see if the Saint’s actually do win. But then again their playing the Falcon’s and it really doesn’t matter anyway, win or loose, both teams are done for the year.
With that said my fist pick is a no-brainer. The number 5 wildcard position goes to the New York Giants. When they started 0-2 two people began to question the running game or lack there of one. Then they manage to pull off 6 straight wins which put them in a really good position. With key wins against the Redskin’s, Lion’s, Eagle’s, and the Bear’s they solidified a wildcard spot. Even though they have 2 tough games of the remaining three left, look for them to win a least one more. That is assuming the Patriot’s don’t play their starters for the last game of the season. Maybe they pull off two more wins. It will make no difference they are a lock right now anyway. To take this a step further let me say that the Giant’s looked good at times but play a little to inconsistent to make much noise in the playoffs. Look for the Giants to beat Tampa in the first round but lose to Dallas in the second.
My second pick is a little more interesting. My number 6 wildcard position goes to the Minnesota Vikings. With only a 7-6 record they have been playing a lot better in the second half of the season. They have won 4 straight and the defense has stepped up to the challenge. Adrian Peterson has proved he is the next running back to beat. He has become a strong rookie of the year candidate, already a lock and winner in my book. The Vikings are an interesting team, they have improved on both sides of the ball and proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. With 3 more games left against the Bears, Redskins, and Broncos they shouldn’t have much to worry about. If I was a Seattle or Green Bay fan I would be cautious about this team. Even though the Packers have swept the series, this is a much improved team. I think they will beat Seattle in the first round and give the Packers a run for their money in the second round.
I know that there are some Lions, Saints and Cardinals fans not liking my last pick. But unless your team goes 3 and 0 in the next 3 weeks, your not going to make it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but facts are facts.
Hello all, my name is P_REZ. I have always been involved in sports. From playing, to coaching, to watching, and betting. I am a native Houstonian. Which means I take Houston sports very seriously! The Astro's, Rocket's, and Texan's (Oiler's) are my favorite Teams! I don't always agree with some of the moves they tend to make (via trades, play calling, moving a franchise) but I do support them. Make no mistake about that! I think I am pretty knowledgeable when it comes to sports. I have written a few blog's and will be writting a lot more in the future (or at least when I think certain things need to be addressed) I'll let you be the judge. So feel free to post a comment on my blog's and let me know what you think. Thanks! T/C until next time......... ..........PEA CE!
video poker
