Texans at Jets: Score Prediction and Final Thoughts
The Texans definitely need this one if they have designs on the division and playoffs
This is one of the more unique tests on the schedule for the Houston Texans. The New York Jets boast the toughest defense the Texans will play all season. It’s a road game after a long stretch at home and the weather is supposed to be less than ideal.
The Jets are one of the more inept teams in the NFL on offense. It’s been almost two months since Zach Wilson, the starter again this week, has shown a little life on offense. This game is about the offense for the Texans going up against the defense of the Jets.
C.J. Stroud, Bobby Slowik, and the offense have their work cut out for them.
It starts with protecting Stroud. The Jets can create havoc with just the four linemen they rush. New York has the best hurry percentage in the league with the lowest blitz rate. The Texans have allowed 11 sacks and 18 quarterback hits in the past three games. Factor in the amazing pass defense from New York, plus a few wet footballs, and it won’t be easy to succeed through the air. Oh, and Tank Dell is gone for the year after being a critical part of the team.
The Jets have allowed some big games on the ground, but with the struggles on the ground, you can’t count on the Texans getting going with their rushing attack. Dameon Pierce nor Devin Singletary have been able to run the ball consistently and effectively. DeMeco Ryans said earlier this week it isn’t the offensive line, so the running backs need to click.
New York will test the ability, yet again, of the Texans to win without their offense dicing up an opponent.
Score Prediction
I believe the Texans will win 10-3. Yes, this could get ugly. I don’t know how exactly the Jets will score. Perhaps a turnover in Houston territory leads to a short field and a kick, but the Jets might not score a touchdown unless their defense does it. The Texans can’t throw into the abyss, they’ll have to run it. Certainly, if New York turns the ball over a lot the Texans will get a couple more opportunities for some points. I just don’t see much that screams a lot of points in this one.
Who Better Ball?
It’s a simple question. Who better ball for the team to win? I’ll start with the interior offensive line. Quinnen Williams is one of the best defensive tackles in football so it will be a long day for Juice Scruggs, Michael Deiter, and Shaq Mason and if they can’t block Williams, it will be a long day for the Texans. Brevin Jordan is getting the nod at tight end again with Dalton Schultz down. He had a career-high in receiving yards last week, but he needs to block better. Jimmie Ward needs to make sure there aren’t any communication breakdowns. The only way the Jets can move the ball is if the Texans make a mistake. Finally, keep it going at defensive Will Anderson. If he is disrupting the rushing game and getting home on the pass rush the Jets will struggle to put up points, much less move the ball.
Current Playoff Picture
Thanks to the New England Patriots beating the Pittsburgh Steelers the Texans are in the seventh spot before this game against the Jets.
RUN....RUN....RUN....RUN....RUN....Then when they stack the line to stop the RUN.....sneak Nico and Hutch deep.
We need to keep the passing game in our back pocket and use it very sparingly......With a wet , slippery and heavy football we don't need tipped balls or CJ getting a sore shoulder from throwing that wet rock.
Much better having DP and Motor wrapping it up like a baby, running like they are being chased by a bear and grinding out 3 or 3.5 YPC setting it up for the occassional post or flag.
20-9 Texans
KEEPING THE FAITH!!!
GO TEXANS!!!
Field, weather, fans all favor the Jets who are hungry and desperate to win. If Singletary/Pierce struggle to run the ball this game could just come down to who turns the ball over least and is less penalized. Stroud will be forced to be a game manager, which tests his patience and scrambling ability.