Texans at Packers: Final Thoughts and Score Prediction
One of the toughest tests for the Texans to date
The Houston Texans need their defensive line more than ever today.
The Green Bay Packers have allowed the fewest sacks in the NFC. Houston is missing not one but two starting linebackers. They’re playing a backup cornerback against an explosive offense.
DeMeco Ryans has often called the defensive line the engine of the defense. It will need to be running at peak performance at Lambeau Field.
This Texans defensive line is nasty, even with a starter lost to suspension this week. Will Anderson is coming off a three-sack performance last week. Only one player pressures the quarterback at a higher rate than Danielle Hunter. Foley Fatukasi has been a physical force. Tim Settle, Khalil Davis, and Derek Barnett all have solid moments on their resume as part of this rotation.
Now the team adds Denico Autry to the mix.
Ryans can mix and match with the various players. If he wants to rush the passer more he can bump Autry inside at defensive tackle. If Houston needs a bigger group to try to stop the Green Bay rushing attack Ryans can insert Barnett for Hunter and throw in Kurt Hinish who is making his season debut this weekend.
The options will be necessary to slow down the Packers.
Jordan Love has been good this year, but he will make a mistake. He’s thrown six interceptions in four games this year, including three interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings. He tossed an interception for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. The Texans need to make him uncomfortable in the pocket and force a mistake out of him.
If the Texans can’t get to Love it could be a long day for the defense. The defensive line is necessary as the Texans look for their fourth-straight win.
Score Prediction
The Texans will win 31-28. I don’t believe the Green Bay Packers have enough to stop the Texans on offense. I believe the team with the best turnover differential will give it up at a key time allowing Houston to take advantage. I know the Texans haven’t played a complete game yet, but I can’t tell you the Packers truly have. Their dominant win last week was about the crappy play of the Cardinals not the Packers being some force to be reckoned with on the field. Stefon Diggs has scored in eight straight games against the Packers. Make it nine for the difference-making score.
Hopefully it will be vindication time today. After all the preseason hype, it’s like nobody thinks we are real at 5-1. It’s always about the other team, Caleb Williams this or that, Josh Allen had a bad day, I’m tired of it. The Houston defense is problem, even missing starters, I hope they show everyone Today. And Cj needs to out play love. Let’s go boys!
And if….. when we win, they will probably still make it about love tomorrow.
I want the Tom Grossi livestream to turn into a tearful cope session this afternoon. We are going to roll today, Go Texans!