Official Texans @ Patriots Game Thread, 12/10/2012

[WMH]

Leggo!

Good read:
http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8707808/new-england-patriots-houston-texans-matchup-plenty-offer

[HPF Bob]

The keys to me are two things:

1) Can Houston establish a running game and give their defense time to get a breather? Foster and Forsett must continue to move the chains for the Texans to be two-dimensional on offense.

2) Can the defense keep up with New England's hurry-up offense that they didn't handle well against Green Bay? Will JJo be healthy or will the secondary continue to play shorthanded?

[nunusguy]

I don't think anything is as high a priority for the Texans in this game as getting real pressure on Brady.

[Keith]

Like the Packer game earlier this season, I kinda wonder if the opponent wants (actually, needs) this win more than the Texans.

One key difference here will be the weather. Aaron Rodgers was phenomenal throwing the ball in that game, but the forecast for Monday calls for a chance of showers and upper 30s... not the same conditions for Brady's passing game that Rodgers enjoyed here in Houston. Ironically, I think the yuckier the weather conditions are better for the Texans.

[WMH]

Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) tweeted:
NFL Sources tell #wbz tv the news not good on Julian Edelman. Broken foot, likely needs surgery and likely headed to IR. #Patriots

[barrett]

Like the Packer game earlier this season, I kinda wonder if the opponent wants (actually, needs) this win more than the Texans.

One key difference here will be the weather. Aaron Rodgers was phenomenal throwing the ball in that game, but the forecast for Monday calls for a chance of showers and upper 30s... not the same conditions for Brady's passing game that Rodgers enjoyed here in Houston. Ironically, I think the yuckier the weather conditions are better for the Texans.

NE is also not the downfield passing threat that Rodgers and GB are. I think the NE offense will definitely move the ball and score, but long drives and short gains and 3rd down conversions is not the way to attack this defense. Brandon Lloyd has not given them the deep threat they thought he would, and Gronk was the other deep guy. They signed Dante Stallworth yesterday, but they are more a horizontal defense than a vertical one. That is tough to do against the Texans because on a 10 play drive we will probably create some negative, drive-killing plays.

Again, I'm not saying we shut them down, they're just too good on offense for that. But I am saying they are a better offense than the Packers, but they don't create the problems for us that GB did.

[Arky]

TV = ESPN, Monday 7:30 pm CST

Announcers = Mike Tirico, John Gruden

The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Pats by 3 to 4

Sunday viewing (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2012/wk14.html) in the Houston area:

CBS early = San Diego @ Pittsburgh w/Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

FOX early = Dallas @ Cincinnati w/Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick

FOX late = New Orleans @ NYG w/Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

SNF = Detroit @ Green Bay w/Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth

[Nconroe]

Looks like predicting cold and rain for gametime.

Is that gonna make it lower scoring?

[HPF Bob]

Temperatures will be probably mid-high 40s and while there is a 50-70% chance of rain, it doesn't appear to be a steady rain but light precip. I don't think it will disrupt the offenses much and may give them opportunities if the field is slippery.

I'd take this over 30s and blowing snow.

[barrett]

I think rain also slows the pass rush at least as much as the offense (unless it's a crazy driving rain that makes passing impossible).

[Arky]

Looks like predicting cold and rain for gametime.

Is that gonna make it lower scoring?

Game total (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) opened at 53 and is now down to 50.5. So, the public is going "under" although 50+ points is not really "low-scoring".

The Patriots had a stretch of going "over" 9 times in a row until that was broken last week when they played the Dolphins (game went under 51, final score = Pats 23, Dolphins 16). Pats have gone over 9 times and under 3 times in their 12 games. Texan's over/under is 6 times equally.

New England ATS (against the spread) = 7-5
Texans ATS = 8-4

If I was betting, I'm taking the points/Texans and the under...

[Nconroe]

Edelman out and Grongowski likely out might slow down Pats ST and scoring a little as well.?

[nunusguy]

Sounds like the same kind of weather we had in ChiTown ?

[chuck]

I don't know why but I'm starting to feel better about this one. Does anyone have anything on JJo and Ball? I cannot believe I'm worried about whether or not Alan Ball will play. And that I still feel OK about the game.

[painekiller]

I don't know why but I'm starting to feel better about this one. Does anyone have anything on JJo and Ball? I cannot believe I'm worried about whether or not Alan Ball will play. And that I still feel OK about the game.

JJo is supposed to be a go, I'm not sure on Ball.

[WMH]

JJo is a go, barring a set back between now and Monday.
Ball is questionable, and a GTD.
Newton and Reed already ruled out.

[nunusguy]

I'm thinking 31-24 Pats, which is about the same margin I predicted for a Bear victory when we traveled there to play that Sunday night game, so I hope my
call on this game is just as inaccurate as that one was. Really my biggest concern is that we come back to Houston really flat after a disappointing loss tonight, have a short week to get ready for Indy, and then lose to them in Reliant this coming Sunday.

[HPF Bob]

Baltimore's OT loss to Washington takes some of the pressure off. If we win, we've got this pretty much nailed down.

Win or lose, we'll still be first in the conference with three games to play. I just hope we have the answers for Andrew Luck and can break our hex in Indy. I don't want to hear for the next decade that we kept drafting d-linemen too early because "we have to get to Andrew Luck".

[Nconroe]

Texans getting plenty hypw for game tonight.

Texans 6-0 on the road this year, Pats haven't lost at home in December in 4 years.

New upcoming dynasty against current dynasty.

Even letterman jackets on Texans getting publicity.

Patriots offense against Texans defwnse another storyline.

Should be a good, fun , exciting MNF game.

I think Texans win 27-24.

JJ. And Bulls on Parade do it, stop run and pressure Brady.

[chuck]

If Joseph is reasonably healthy then I like our chances. If not, it could be bad.

I asked a Raider fan friend of mine (yes, I have one) about Routt and he said, He wakes up in the morning with a flag next to his bed.

[Arky]

Oof, late movement on the line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) pushes it up to Pats by 6. Sure hope this is a Patriot-lovin' public surge rather than the sharps as I am all in on the Texans at my fake money betting website.... Yesterday/Sunday was brutal capping off a brutal week - couldn't pick a winner to save my butt....

[popanot]

I think this will be a tightly contested game. As usual, as long as we don't make any huge mistakes - like giving up the ball deep in our zone or allowing a big punt/kick return, I think we'll be OK and at least in the game. I think the Texans can contain Ridley and it would not surprise me in the least to see the Pats go primarily with a Woodhead pass-oriented set instead. Contain Welker to a degree and minimize the mistakes and I think we'll win.

[Nconroe]

Thirteen minutes to gametime.

Two great teams.

Can't wait to see what happens.

[TheMatrix31]

Let's go, baby!

Take care of the ball, play smart, keep Brady on the sidelines, no shitty throws for Schaub, MAKE TACKLES, and just don't let the Patriots win in typical late Patriot Luck fashion if they have to win tonight.

I don't know how this game will turn out. I really don't. I hope our secondary is up to the task.

[chuck]

MAKE TACKLES

That's big. They're going to make plays. It happens. Do not give them anything extra.

[Arky]

Whoa, didn't catch the name of the band, but nice opening for MNF....

--------------------

Big game, big game. Will tonight be the night that there is a shift in the NFL power? Perhaps the Mayans were talking about the Texans? :p

[Arky]

Texans will receive....

Martin downs the ball in the endzone. Texans ball at the 20.

[Arky]

Foster for 12. Flag down. Illegal formation on Texans -5. Makes it 1st and 15.

Foster for almost 15..... 1st down.

Flags presnap. No flags, Pats timeout.

[Arky]

Texans at their 30.

Foster looses footing, loses 1 yard. 2nd and 11 coming up.

Foster for 5. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Oy, deep pass to Jean off his hands, inc. Texans have to punt.

Nice return by Welker brings it all the way back to the Pats 44. Pats ball.

[Nconroe]

On the band, found this in New 0haven , Connecticut Gazette-

The Shiny Lapel Trio, a band of Shoreline 40-somethings, has been slugging it out in Connecticut bars, restaurants and on local town greens for a few years now. But come tonight, they’re going to find themselves in different company.

One of their songs, “Rock-A-Betty Swing,” will open Monday Night Football telecast on ESPN, putting them in a slot previously occupied by bands like the Rolling Stones, Los Lonely Boys and The Charlie Daniels Band.

The song, just recorded with ESPN’s backing, will air between the 8:25 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. kickoff of the game between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans, then again before the start of the second half, said drummer Richard Talarczyk of Guilford.

[Arky]

Ridley for 4.

Ridley for big gainer. 15(?) yards.

Ridley for 4.

Brady's pass off the mark over the middle, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Brady's deep pass off the mark, inc but holding on the Texans (Harris) gives the Pat an auto 1st down at the Texan 29.

Pass to Welker goes all the way to the 4 yard line.

Gah, Ridley gains a yard, fumbles, but the Pats recover at the 7 yard line.

Dumpoff to Hernandez goes for the TD.

Pats 7, Texans 0

9:27 left in the 1st quarter.

[chuck]

The Texans had the chance to make three plays and they made none. If that continues they'll get blown out.

It's basically just not fair that Brady gets to feast on Kareem Jackson AND Brandon Harris.

[Nconroe]

Let's go offense. Need an equaliuzer. No panic.

[Arky]

Martin downs the ensuing kickoff in the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

------------------------------

Dumpoff to AJ over the middle goes for 8. 2nd and 2 coming up.

Dumpoff to Forsett goes for nice gainer. 15 yards.

Pass to OD goes for 12.

Schaub sacked by Ninkovich. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Foster for 2. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Pass over the middle to Jean complete for nice gainer. Offsides on Pats is declined. 1st and 10 at the Pats 23.

Foster for 2.

Schaub's pass in the endzone INT'ed by McCourty who brings it back to the Pats 18. Pats ball.

[TheMatrix31]

Schaub's Shitty Throw of the Game (tm)

[chuck]

Schaub's Shitty Throw of the Game (tm)

In before you get corrected again.

[Arky]

On the band, found this in New 0haven , Connecticut Gazette-

The Shiny Lapel Trio, a band of Shoreline 40-somethings, has been slugging it out in Connecticut bars, restaurants and on local town greens for a few years now. But come tonight, they’re going to find themselves in different company.

One of their songs, “Rock-A-Betty Swing,” will open Monday Night Football telecast on ESPN, putting them in a slot previously occupied by bands like the Rolling Stones, Los Lonely Boys and The Charlie Daniels Band.

The song, just recorded with ESPN’s backing, will air between the 8:25 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. kickoff of the game between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans, then again before the start of the second half, said drummer Richard Talarczyk of Guilford.

Thanks for this...

[Nconroe]

Ok, int in end zone. Almost Pi. Good looking drive. Need our defense now.

[Arky]

Brady's pass is deflected from the rush, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Ridley gets stonewalled. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Lloyd good for 13 and the 1st down.

Dumpoff to Woodhead goes for nice gainer. About 17 yards.

Pass to Hernandez goes for 13.

Deep pass to a wide open Lloyd goes for the TD. 37 yards.

Pats 14, Texans 0

2:49 left in the 1st quarter.

[Nconroe]

Pretty rocky start. Brady making this look way to easy.

[chuck]

Ben Jones sucks more dick than a porn star.

[TheMatrix31]

Awful playcalling. Awful preparation.

[Arky]

Martin brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texans 25. Texans ball.

---------------------------

Pass to AJ good for 15.

Foster caught in the backfield for loss of 3.

Foster for 1. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Schaub's pass is knocked loose. Texans recover at their 20. Texans to punt.

Welker brings the punt back to the Pats 29. Pats ball.

[Big Texas]

Packers game all over again

[Arky]

Wake up, defense. Kubes is trying to avoid getting into a shootout, methinks, but the run game just ain't workin'.

-------------------------------------

Woodhead for 4. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Ridley caught for a loss. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Hernandez goes for 10 and the 1st down.

Ridley for 2.

Dump to Hernandez loses 2. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Deep pass to Welker way overthrown but PI on Manning gives the Pats a 1st down at the Texan 31.

Screen to Welker goes for about 14. Ball at the Texan 17.

Pass to Welker goes to the 5. 1st and goal.

Pass to Hernandez goes for the TD.

Pats 21, Texans 0

11:01 left in the half.

[Nconroe]

That was a terrible PI call.

Hoping for a big play. Too late.

Crap 21-0 is embarrassing.

[nunusguy]

JC, this is pathetic !

[Big Texas]

This is who we are...the forever overachieving little brother...

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

-----------------------------

Dumpoff to Foster gets 5.

Foster for no gain. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Schaub's pass is knocked down at the LOS. Texans have to punt.

Pats fair catch at their 33. Pats ball.

[Big Texas]

Shaub is rattled...defense has no gameplan...55-0...

[chuck]

The Texans will be lucky to get out of the half down by 35.

[TheMatrix31]

Turning this one off. Don't have the desire to watch this shit.

All I wanted for my ****************ing birthday this week was to win this damn game.

[Arky]

Ridley for about 2.

Pass to Hernandez goes for 6. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Brady hit as he throws inc. Pats have to punt.

Martin fair catches the punt at the Texan 11.

8:32 left in the half.

Gotta get off the mat after the 1st round knock down.....

[Arky]

Pass to AJ goes all the way to the Texan 37.

Foster drops the dumpoff pass. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to AJ goes for 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Foster for 4 and the 1st down. Ball at midfield.

Dumpoff to Foster goes for 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Foster goes right for the 1st down at the Pats 40.

Schaub's pass is deflected, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Forsett caught for loss of 2. 3rd and 12 coming up.

Pass to Jean gets about 7. Texans to go for it on 4th and 5. Timeout Texans.

[nunusguy]

Can you believe Walters dropped that ? And Foster dropped one in the flat last series ? We look like were are in PS ?

[Arky]

On 4th and 5, Schaub's pass to KW is caught and then broken up, inc. Pats takeover on downs.

--------------------------------

Ball at the Pats 33.

Brady's deep pass along the sideline sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Vereen for about 4. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Pass to Lloyd good for 12 but offensive PI brings it back. 3rd and 16 coming up.

Dump off pass goes inc. Pats to punt with 3:33 left in the half.

Punt goes out of bounds about the Texans 33 but flags are down.....refs rule no foul.... Texans ball.

[Arky]

Foster takes the dumpoff pass all the way to the Pats 43.

Oy, Schaub's dumpoff pass to Foster off the mark, inc.

Timeout Pats with 2:37 left in the half.

Foster for no gain.

On 3rd and 10, the 2 minute warning strikes.

[Arky]

On 3rd and 10, Pats jump offsides, makes it 3rd and 5.

Pass to AJ is broken up, inc. Talib injured on the play, injury timeout. 4th and 5 coming up.....

Texans going for it.....Schaub's pass to KW off the mark, inc. Pats takeover on downs. 1:52 left in the half.

Vereen for 1.

Pass to Lloyd goes for 7. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Brady's pass is broken up by GQ. Pats have to punt with 50 seconds left in the half.

Punt goes into the endzone so Texans ball at their 20.

[Arky]

Pass to OD goes for 11.

Pass to AJ broken up inc. 2nd and 10 coming up with 16 seconds left in the half.

Damn, Schaub misses a wide open Jean deep....

Foster gains about 9.

End of the 1st half.

Pats 21, Texans 0

[WMH]

Well, this hasn't gone well.....

2nd Qtr D showed some improvement, but Schaub sucks tonight.

[chuck]

Well, this hasn't gone well.....

2nd Qtr D showed some improvement, but Schaub sucks tonight.

Schaub sucks because Wilfork's abusing the right side of the OL.

This game is not out of hand but if the Pats score again before the Texans do it will be.

Of course I was thinking the same thing at the half of the Green Bay game. I guess I'm an eternal optimist.

[Arky]

Halftime stats:

Passing: Schaub 12/23, 159 yards, 1 INT

Rushing: Foster 12/44

Receiving: AJ 4/58, Foster 3/32, Jean 2/31, OD 2/24, Forsett 1/14

Tackles: GQ 6, Manning/Sharpton 4 each, James/Joseph/Dobbins/Demp/KJ/Mitchell 2 each

TOP: Texans 16:20, Pats 13:40

3rd down efficiency: Texans 2/8, Pats 2/5

Red zone: Texans 0/0, Pats 2/2

1st downs: Texans 10, Pats 13

Total yards: Texans 177, Pats 196

Penalties: Texans 3/36, Pats 2/15

Turnovers: Texans 1, Pats 0

[Arky]

Well, this hasn't gone well.....

2nd Qtr D showed some improvement, but Schaub sucks tonight.

I think so, too. He's streaky though....

[TheMatrix31]

Hopefully this is like the Arizona game in 2009. Except not with Chris Brown being impotent and not being able to get it across the line from one yard out three times in a row.

[Arky]

Pats down the ensuing kickoff in the endzone. Pats ball at their 20.

------------------------------

30-yard pass to Welker off the mark, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Vereen dances for 9. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Vereen gets 3 and the 1st down.

Brady's pass over the middle inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Vereen for 2. 3rd and 8 coming up.

Deep pass to Stallworth off the mark, inc. Pats have to punt.

Martin fields the punt and is tackled at the 18. Flag on GQ for holding on the return. Half the distance, places the ball at the Texan 9.

[chuck]

Hopefully this is like the Arizona game in 2009. Except not with Chris Brown being impotent and not being able to get it across the line from one yard out three times in a row.

So you think the Texans might get close to the goal line?

[Arky]

Foster for 3.

Foster caught for loss of 2. 3rd and 9 coming up.

Pass to AJ just gets 9. Texans have to punt.

Welker returns the punt to the Pats 26. Pats ball.

[nunusguy]

You're down to Tom Brady 3 TDs in the second half and you run it up the middle twice in a 3 and out ?

[chuck]

Kubiak is reverting to his inner idiot.

[chuck]

You're down to Tom Brady 3 TDs in the second half and you run it up the middle twice in a 3 and out ?

When their best CB is out. What an idiot.

[TheMatrix31]

So you think the Texans might get close to the goal line?

Nope. Not tonight. That's why I stopped watching.

[popanot]

Kubiak is reverting to his inner idiot.Amen. This is the worst game plan I've seen from him in along time. Hey let's try running at Wilfork and up the gut a few more times.

[Arky]

Deep pass to Vereen down the sideline goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Hernandez goes for 11 and the 1st down.

Dumpoff pass to Welker off the mark, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Short pass Welker broken up, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Deep pass to Stallworth goes all the way for the TD.

Pats 28, Texans 0

9:49 left in the 3rd quarter.

[chuck]

Well, the Routt is on.

[Nconroe]

So what else can go wrong? It would be nice if something worked.

[popanot]

Yeah, let's huddle up. If that isn't conceding defeat, I don't know what is.

[nunusguy]

I've always said Tate is a better runner than Foster - he's got a real burst.

[Arky]

Martin does his best Jacoby Jones imitation and brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Texan 12.

----------------------------------

Pass to AJ goes to the 29. Penalty on Pats is declined.

Pass to AJ goes for 4.

Schaub pressured, throws deep to AJ but inc. PI on the Pats places the ball at the Texan 48.

Tate sighting! Tate rushes for about 20.

Deep pass to Jean in the endzone is inc but PI on Jean puts the ball back at the Pats 39.

Dumpoff to Foster gets 7. 2nd and 13 coming up.

Pass to Casey goes to the 2! 1st and goal.

Flags presnap. Pats have 12 men on the field. Half the distance. 1st and goal at the 1.

Schaub can't find a receiver and throws it away, inc. 2nd and goal coming up.

Foster punches it in.

Pats 28, Texans 7

6:12 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Nconroe]

Nice to finally get on the score board.

[chuck]

Yeah, let's huddle up. If that isn't conceding defeat, I don't know what is.

Chill out, dude, what's the rush?

[Arky]

The ensuing kickoff goes out of the endzone. Pats ball at their 20.

---------------------

Pass to Welker off his hands, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass to Lloyd gets 7.

On 3rd and 3, Brady is sacked by Mercilus! Pats have to punt.

Martin brings the punt back to the Texan 38 but illegal block in the back on Routt places the ball at the Texan 19.

4:50 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Nconroe]

Nice , another penalty on ST to send us in wrong direction.

[Arky]

Pass to AJ goes for 8.

Dumpoff to Tate loses 2. 3rd and a long 3 coming up.

Pass to Martin broken up inc. Texans have to punt.

Welker brings the punt back to the Pats 28. Pats ball.

[Nconroe]

No doubt we are losing, but refs seem to be making lotta call. For Pats.

[Arky]

Ridley for 2.

Deep pass is off the mark but PI on B James gains 5 yards and an auto 1st down.

Pass to Hernandez gains 9.

Ridley for 3 and the 1st down.

Pass to Lloyd gets 14. Ball at the Texan 38.

Ridley for 5.

Ridley for maybe 1. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Brady scrambles for 6 and the 1st down.

End of the 3rd quarter.

[Arky]

Pass to Hernandez goes to the 10 yard line but holding on both sides offset. Replay the down.

Welker can't hang onto the pass, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Woodhead catches the short pass, gets stripped and the Pats recover in the endzone for the TD.

Pats 35, Texans 7

14:15 left in the game.

[popanot]

Texans better figure out how to stop these spread offenses or their SB hopes are toast. Can anyone guess what the Colts' offensive game plan will be next week?

EDIT: Of course, our offense and ST's have totally sucked tonight and have provided no help.

[nunusguy]

I hope they beat us by 60 because something needs to get kick us in the azz and get us ready for the Colts.

[Nconroe]

Even fumbles bounce the wrong way tonight.

Maybe we should just let all third stringers in so no one gets hurt.

[Arky]

Martin downs the ensuing kickoff in the endzone so Texans ball at their 20.

--------------------------------

Tate for 10.

Tate for 7 or 8.

Tate for maybe 2... just short of the 1st down. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Tate stuffed for loss of 1. Texans have to punt.

Punt goes out of bounds at the Pats 32. Pats ball.

[Nconroe]

I hope they beat us by 60 because something needs to get kick us in the azz and get us ready for the Colts.

Com'on man, that aint right.

Its bad already if that is a motivator.

[Arky]

I hope they beat us by 60 because something needs to get kick us in the azz and get us ready for the Colts.

Yep, before the game, I was thinking that if the Texans lose, then they will give good effort over the last 3 games. If they won, the were liable to drop a couple of the remaining 3 games.... just a thought...

[Arky]

Ridley for 6.

Pass to Lloyd goes for the 1st down at the Pats 46.

Ridley to midfield.

Ridley gets the 1st down.

Vereen for another 1st down. Ball at the Texan 30.

Short pass to Lloyd goes for 3.

Vereen gets 7 and the 1st down at the Texan 20.

Ridley for 4.

Ridley for 2.

Ridley runs it in for the TD. 14 yards.

Pats 42, Texans 7

7:23 left in the game.

[Nconroe]

New dynasty sure isn't beating old dynasty tonite.

Hope your get em fired up for rest of year works out.

[chuck]

This team is only an interior line, a linebacker, a second wide receiver, a cornerback and a quarterback away from a Super Bowl. And a head coach.

[Arky]

Martin downs the ensuing kickoff in the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

------------------------------------

Tate gets 5 tough yards and draws the facemask +15. Ball at the Texan 40.

Tate stopped for loss of 2.

Dumpoff pass to Martin loses more yards. 3rd and 16 coming up.

Forsett for about 5. Texans have to punt.

Pats fair catch the punt at their 10 yard line. Pats ball.

[Arky]

Mallet in at QB.

Rush for 5 yards.

Bolden for 6 and a 1st down.

Nice run but holding on Pats brings it back. 1st and 20, now.

Ridley (?) for 2.

Mallet's pass is tipped and INT'ed by Keo. Texans ball at the Pats 25.

[Nconroe]

Both sides down to subs now. We actually get a turnover by Keo..

Did you see nice catch and run by Posey.

Well, we still control our own destiny for no 1 seed.

Lessons to learn I guess.

[nunusguy]

Com'on man, that aint right.

Its bad already if that is a motivator.
A team that gets blown out is almost always more fired up for the next game than they would be if they lose by a mere FG. They need to redeem themselves,
it's that simple assuming they have some pride and I think the Texans do.

[Arky]

Forsett for 4.

Pass to Posey off the mark, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Pass to Posey goes all the way to the 2. 1st and goal.

Pass to Martin in the endzone off the mark, inc.

Tate goes to about the .5 yard line. Brings up 3rd and goal.

Refs don't want to give the Texans a TD but throw their arms up anyway. TJ on the keeper...

Pats 42, Texans 14.

2 minutes left in the game.

[Arky]

A team that gets blown out is almost always more fired up for the next game than they would be if they lose by a mere FG. They need to redeem themselves,
it's that simple assuming they have some pride and I think the Texans do.

Yes. When the Texans lost to Green Bay, they proceeded to go on a 6 game win streak....(which unfortunately ended tonight). It's good in a way - the Texans now know what they have to deal with in the playoffs and can get better prepared...

[Arky]

Pats kneeling it out.....

Final score:

Pats 42, Texans 14.

Whelp, kiss that #1 ranking in the power rankings goodbye.

[Nconroe]

A team that gets blown out is almost always more fired up for the next game than they would be if they lose by a mere FG. They need to redeem themselves,
it's that simple assuming they have some pride and I think the Texans do.

Ok, hope we do better if we get a rematch in playoffs.

[chuck]

The Texans just got ass raped by an organization that is vastly superior in every way. If you guys thought this was a Super Bowl team you were sadly mistaken. Super Bowl teams do not get completely embarrassed by conference rivals in December.

[Arky]

The Texans just got ass raped by an organization that is vastly superior in every way. If you guys thought this was a Super Bowl team you were sadly mistaken. Super Bowl teams do not get completely embarrassed by conference rivals in December.

Well, the Texans are a playoff team and I for one, certainly hope to see a rematch in the playoffs....

On my way to checkout McClains tweets..... no doubt he's full of sunshine tonight....

[chuck]

Well, the Texans are a playoff team and I for one, certainly hope to see a rematch in the playoffs....

On my way to checkout McClains tweets..... no doubt he's full of sunshine tonight....

The Texans are a playoff team just like the Colts are. The only trouble is the Colts could win the division.

Why are you checking out McClain's tweets? If you want to know the best places to eat in Boston I'm a far better source unless you really like buffets.

[Arky]

The Texans are a playoff team just like the Colts are. The only trouble is the Colts could win the division.

Early line is Texans by 9.5 over the Colts....


Why are you checking out McClain's tweets? If you want to know the best places to eat in Boston I'm a far better source unless you really like buffets.

I'm not going to Boston (a real pleasant tribe up there) anytime soon but Boston could be coming to Houston in a few weeks....:)

[HPF Bob]

I feel like the Texans decided they expect to see the Patriots again in the playoffs and went vanilla. Did you notice Schaub did not run one play-action boot in the game, which is the staple big play in our offense? No deep balls to AJ? This really wasn't the Texans offense as if Kubiak was trying hard not to reveal his hand.

On the bright side, JJo is back and Tate is back. I do think this a better team than the Colts but we were last year too and we still lost in their house.

[Keith]

I feel like the Texans decided they expect to see the Patriots again in the playoffs and went vanilla. Did you notice Schaub did not run one play-action boot in the game, which is the staple big play in our offense? No deep balls to AJ? This really wasn't the Texans offense as if Kubiak was trying hard not to reveal his hand. Yes. In fact, I actually expected it to be the Patriots that would show us a more vanilla offense.

Still doesn't excuse the first quarter defense, or the fact that a good QB (like, oh, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady) can read the Texans blitzes like a Dr Seuss book.

[WMH]

Vanilla or not, that was a good ole fashioned butt whoopin. Schaub played his worst game of the season on the biggest stage he could have asked for. No use in bitching about him, we are stuck with him, but if he can't rise to this level, what's he going to do when/if we reach the AFC Championship game?

Just think, next time we face the Pats, if we face the Pats, they will have Gronk.......

Good news, we still control our own destiny, but I still wouldn't mind seeing the 49'ers take one from these guys next week.

[nunusguy]

The Texans just got ass raped by an organization that is vastly superior in every way. If you guys thought this was a Super Bowl team you were sadly mistaken. Super Bowl teams do not get completely embarrassed by conference rivals in December.
I've thought for awhile (well, since the Packer game I guess), that the best teams in the league were in the NFC but that we could still compete with anybody in the AFC. Well now I know better after last night.
It's still been a great year and I'm just as excited as ever to see how we do vs the Colts Sunday because nobody is going to take that game for granted anymore, no more of this talk about how we are vastly more talented than Luck and Co.

[barrett]

I don't think the best teams are in the NFC at all. I think the 5 best teams are the Giants, Patriots, Packers, Texans, and Broncos (in some order). The NFC might be better at the bottom and that explains the winning percentage, but outside of those 2 teams there is not much in that conference. The Cowboys are in position to win either a division or the wildcard and they are trash. Shanahan said I give up on this year, and is in the same spot 6 weeks later.

As for last night, we got killed. And it is never a good thing to lose no matter what. We were not ready to play early. We were terrible on offense all night (embarrasingly so). And I don't know that I could reasonably disagree with Chuck that the Pats are better than us on every possible key organizational level (ownership, Coach, QB, scheme). The only possible edge we have against them is GM. That and we will play at home next time.

Before the game I would have given us slightly less than 50/50 odds against them in a home playoff game. Last night doesn't really mean much (the Patriots beat up on the Giants before one of their superbowls. They also curb stomped Arizona in like week 15 a few years ago before going out early while Arizona went to the superbowl). The one and done nature of the NFL playoffs means it is all about being healthy, happy, and better on that day. We are not better than NE but we are definitely good enough to have a chance to be better on that day (especially if it's in Reliant).

[popanot]

These guys better wake up next week or that noose is going to tighten significantly. They do not want to go into that Indy road game with the division on the line.

[nunusguy]

These guys better wake up next week or that noose is going to tighten significantly. They do not want to go into that Indy road game with the division on the line.
Where's all of those guys now who said sweeping Indy would be a slam-dunk ?

[HPF Bob]

I haven't watched much of Indy but they seem to have a knack of winning ugly. That's a bit scary but also a bit comforting. The Patriots embarrassed Indy just as much as they did us.

I'm just hoping this game is what the Texans needed to refocus them on the final three games and the playoffs. If they can hold the #1 seed, I still see them hosting the AFCCG. We've obviously been resting Foster and I think they can still gameplan as well as anyone but New England. Getting the defense healthy and focused is the primary challenge left.

[cadams]

The Texans just got ass raped by an organization that is vastly superior in every way. If you guys thought this was a Super Bowl team you were sadly mistaken. Super Bowl teams do not get completely embarrassed by conference rivals in December.

While there is nothing good to say about the game last night this is over the top. 9-7 teams have won the Super Bowl, so an 11-2 team with two big losses could as well. They may not, but you are over the top here.

[chuck]

While there is nothing good to say about the game last night this is over the top. 9-7 teams have won the Super Bowl, so an 11-2 team with two big losses could as well. They may not, but you are over the top here.

No I'm not. The Pats are better in every way. That's not to say that the Texans could not play a better game and win. But the Pats are clearly better and it's silly to hide from that. There's no shame in being not as good as the best organization in the league.

I think it was barrett who was mentioning their GM. It's curious, isn't it? Despite going to the Super Bowl every freaking year they always seem to have lots of great picks (excellent work by the GM) yet they seem to Casserly quite a number of them, don't they?

Anyway, I'm over this one and already envisioning Luck going bananas on our gimpy secondary.

[Joshua]

No I'm not. The Pats are better in every way. That's not to say that the Texans could not play a better game and win. But the Pats are clearly better and it's silly to hide from that. There's no shame in being not as good as the best organization in the league.

I think it was barrett who was mentioning their GM. It's curious, isn't it? Despite going to the Super Bowl every freaking year they always seem to have lots of great picks (excellent work by the GM) yet they seem to Casserly quite a number of them, don't they?

Anyway, I'm over this one and already envisioning Luck going bananas on our gimpy secondary.

I'm just going off my gut and haven't went back and looked at anything but it doesn't seem like their last few drafts have been that good. Where the Pats impress me is their ability to take trash heap guys and somehow make them significant contributors (often only days after signing them). Seems like they're constantly signing some guy off the street who immediately comes in and plays well.

[chuck]

I'm just going off my gut and haven't went back and looked at anything but it doesn't seem like their last few drafts have been that good. Where the Pats impress me is their ability to take trash heap guys and somehow make them significant contributors (often only days after signing them). Seems like they're constantly signing some guy off the street who immediately comes in and plays well.

Well, last night ESPN was talking about a slew of first and second round guys who haven't done shit yet when whatshisname goes out they send in a 7th round rookie corner who effectively (if not literally) shut down AJ completely.

[cadams]

No I'm not. The Pats are better in every way. That's not to say that the Texans could not play a better game and win. But the Pats are clearly better and it's silly to hide from that. There's no shame in being not as good as the best organization in the league.

I think it was barrett who was mentioning their GM. It's curious, isn't it? Despite going to the Super Bowl every freaking year they always seem to have lots of great picks (excellent work by the GM) yet they seem to Casserly quite a number of them, don't they?

Anyway, I'm over this one and already envisioning Luck going bananas on our gimpy secondary.
Well, you said that this isn't a Super Bowl team. That has nothing to do with the pats. Unless they meeT again in the conf championship. Lets not forget that the pats can lay an egg as well. They did lose to Arizona.

[popanot]

Gruden kept harping about the guy covering AJ, whoever it was at that particular time, and how he was "shutting down" AJ. I guess I was watching a different game because AJ was the ONLY guy who actually did well and performed on the offensive side of the ball. They shut down Schaub (and he was awful in his own right) and they shut down the run game and pretty much everyone else. They did not shut down AJ. AJ caught darn near evey ball thrown to him. Well, at least the ones Schaub put within 3 feet of him (which were few).