View Full Version : Official Texans @ Saints Game Thread, 9/9/19
The Texans kickoff their 2019 season this Monday night against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. The Saints (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/who-are-the-favorites-in-the-2019-nfl-season/?addata=espn:nfl:teams) are strong favorites to win the NFCS division again this year. Likewise, with Indy QB Andrew Luck retiring, the Texans are now the favorite to win the AFCS division. Saints vs. Texans games are usually pretty physical so both teams conditioning should be tested.
The Texans vs. Saints series is split at 2-2. The Texans won the last meeting between the two teams 24-6 on 11/29/2015 at Reliant. The Texans two wins came at home, the Saints two wins came at their home.
I don't give the Texans much of a chance here, not even to cover the 7 pts as they waited until the last minute to make major tweaks to their roster. Surprise me, fellas.
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TV (https://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2019&wk=1) = ESPN, 6:10 pm CST, Monday, Sept 9, 2019.
Announcers = (probable) Joe Tessitore, Booger McFarland (talk to me Booger!), Lisa Salters (sideline)
The line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) = Saints by 7 to 7½
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Other Sunday viewing in the Houston area:
CBS (early) = Kansas City @ Jacksonville, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
FOX (early) = Washington @ Philadelphia, Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis
FOX (late) = NY Giants @ Dallas, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
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Prime time:
TNF = Green Bay @ Chicago (NBC)
SNF = Pittsburgh @ New England (NBC)
MNF (late) = Denver @ Oakland (ESPN)
nunusguy
09-04-2019, 12:44 PM
Thanks for the weekend game info for the Houston area Arky !
No I'm not too hopeful for a Texans win either but still looking forward to and excited about the start of the regular season with real NFL football.
HPF Bob
09-04-2019, 05:17 PM
Texans' record in domed away stadiums (lest some of you think NRG is a dome) is terrible. I can't see them getting their shift together in one week.
barrett
09-04-2019, 06:23 PM
Texans' record in domed away stadiums (lest some of you think NRG is a dome) is terrible. I can't see them getting their shift together in one week.
Considering they are 2-13 in Indy I am thinking the domed part doesn't matter as much as the being unable to win road games against Indy part.
bikerack
09-05-2019, 08:17 AM
My Dad is a huge Saints fan which causes me to give half a care about them.
You have to go back to 2013 to find a season where they won the first game. In the past 5 years, they have lost to the Falcons, Cards, Vikings, Raiders, and Bucs in week 1. They just seem to start off bad (sometimes losing week 2 as well) before running off a streak of 5-6 wins in a row.
This is the main reason I think the Texans have a better than average shot against NO.
2 out of the 3 handicappers in this video (https://www.sportsbookreview.com/picks/nfl/v/texans-vs-saints-preview-nfl-week-1-predictions-picks-monday-night-football-betting-odds/55982/) (4.5 minute TRT) think the Texans will at least cover the spread.
Also, in a cash pickem contest I am in, 65% or nearly 2 out of 3 are taking the Texans. So, I'd say John Q Public has a lot more optimistic view of the Texans than some of us.... It goes without saying that anything can happen on any given Sunday (or Monday). A tipped ball INT'ed, a fumble at the wrong time......&^^%#@ Penn State going deep with 3 minutes left in a blowout game....
HPF Bob
09-08-2019, 07:09 PM
Saints were in the NFL's final four last year. Has anything happened to them that would suggest they are not as good this year? Texans have never made a final four.
chuck
09-08-2019, 08:07 PM
Texans have never made a final four.
Depends on which final four you're talking about, chief.
HPF Bob
09-09-2019, 09:10 AM
Depends on which final four you're talking about, chief.
Not talking about the draft here. The division round of the AFC playoffs is still their high-water mark, leading to a predictable evisceration in Foxboro or Baltimore.
Not talking about the draft here. The division round of the AFC playoffs is still their high-water mark, leading to a predictable evisceration in Foxboro or Baltimore.
Man, that was one dull SNF game last night (Pitt vs. NE). Pats looked like a machine, Big Ben looked like he has lost his touch. Gotta think the Texans vs. Saints will be a better show......
barrett
09-09-2019, 10:29 AM
Not talking about the draft here. The division round of the AFC playoffs is still their high-water mark, leading to a predictable evisceration in Foxboro or Baltimore.
The Patriots have eviscerated us and the league for almost 2 decades.
Baltimore was a one score game.
Texans don't do much on the opening possession. Punt it away.
Saints do a little better, move it into Texan territory but have to punt. Carter fair catches at the Texan 10.
2 sacks on Watson so far. Pass-protection not so good. Texans punting it away.
Saints get the ball around midfield.
6:57 left in the 1st qtr.
chuck
09-09-2019, 06:31 PM
Deshaun should get rid of the ball faster.
Saints driving toward the goal line and Mercilus gets a saving INT. Watt with the pressure on Brees. Texans ball at their own 5.
2:55 left in the 1st qtr.
Boom. Bombs away to Fuller for 54 yards.
Texans at the Saints 29. 2nd and 9 coming up.
End of the 1st qtr.
On 4th and short, Watson keeps around left end, runs for 20 and the TD!
Texans 7, Saints 0
14:13 left in the half.
Nice call.
Saints drive down and answer with a FG. Lutz good from 32.
Texans 7, Saints 3
9:22 left in the half.
Watson shaken up on the TD but looks ready to go....
Texans have driven down the field and are 1st and goal at the Saints 7 as the 2 minute warning is given.
Watson hits Dhop over the middle for the 2 yard TD!
Texans 14, Saints 3
1:47 left in the half.
Who are these guys?
Lutz taking a shot at a 56 yard FG before the half.
FG is no good.
Score remains:
Texans 14, Saints 3
Halftime.
HPF Bob
09-09-2019, 07:51 PM
So, is Genesis trying to get the gangsta luxury car market? Seems that way.
Very surprised the Texans have a halftime lead. Key plays were the Mercilous INT, the 21-yd TD by Watson (my lumbar region hurts for him), the def. holding call on 3rd down against NO and then the TD catch by D-Hop.
I'll be shocked if Texans pull this out. Saints look like they can move at will.
Saints move the ball quickly down the field and score on a Murray 30 yard run to start the second half.
Texans 14, Saints 10
12:51 left in the 3rd qtr.
The Texans answer right back! Nice drive culminating in a 16-yard TD pass to DHop!
Texans 21, Saints 10
8:20 left in the 3rd qtr.
Saints come right back with a long drive ending in a 8 yard TD pass to Hill.
Texans 21, Saints 17
2:39 left in the 3rd qtr.
Watson has a very deep ball INT'ed and Dhop gets flagged for unnecessary roughness on the tackle. Saints ball at the Texan 49.
1:48 left in the 3rd qtr.
Brees hits T Smith on the 14 yard TD reception. Saints take the lead.
Saints 24, Texans 21
14:55 left in the game.
Lutz makes good on 47-yarder.
Saints 27, Texans 21
50 seconds left in the game. Texans with no timeouts.
OMFG! 2 plays, 75 yards. TD Texans! Stills with the 37-yard catch.
Whoa, missed extra point is nullified by a roughing the kicker penalty.
2nd attempt is good. Texans take the lead.
LOL!
Texans 28, Saints 27
37 seconds left in the game.
Gotta keep the Saints outta FG position....
Jeez.
Lutz make the 58-yard FG as time expires.
Final score:
Saints 30, Texans 28
Well, it was an entertaining game.....
HPF Bob
09-09-2019, 09:29 PM
Same idiot Texans - give the receiver a 15-yd cushion when they need 7 yds to be in field goal range.
chuck
09-09-2019, 09:35 PM
It is absolutely criminal what these fking idiots do with the great players they somehow stumble into.
Do TO, I should say.
This secondary is a new dimension of terrible.
*
nunusguy
09-09-2019, 09:38 PM
Clowneys absence already evident with only Watt left to provide pressure on the QB who the Saints double-teamed all night long.
barrett
09-09-2019, 09:39 PM
I've got no problem with the last drive. If you told me the Saints would reach the 41 on that last drive I'd take it 100 times out of 100. If you told me we'd give up a 58 yard FG try I'd take it every time. Drew Brees is going to move a team in that situation. We lost on a guy doing something he's never done in his life.
The bigger concern is the absolutely non-existent pass rush for 4 quarters. Too bad we couldn't have added a high level pass rusher to this team in the last week.
nunusguy
09-09-2019, 09:52 PM
I've got no problem with the last drive. If you told me the Saints would reach the 41 on that last drive I'd take it 100 times out of 100. If you told me we'd give up a 58 yard FG try I'd take it every time. Drew Brees is going to move a team in that situation. We lost on a guy doing something he's never done in his life.
The bigger concern is the absolutely non-existent pass rush for 4 quarters. Too bad we couldn't have added a high level pass rusher to this team in the last week.
Or better yet don't give a high level pass rusher already on your roster away to another NFL team a week before the season starts.
chuck
09-09-2019, 10:08 PM
They simply conceded 60-70 yards on the most important drive of the game. If you have no problem with that, well, I have nothing more to say about it.
HPF Bob
09-09-2019, 10:12 PM
This was a carbon copy of the loss last year in Philadelphia where we got a miracle TD in the final minute only to watch the defense piss away the game in the closing seconds.
Six sacks on Watson tonight when all was said and done - the most crucial blew right by Tunsil.
barrett
09-09-2019, 10:40 PM
They simply conceded 60-70 yards on the most important drive of the game. If you have no problem with that, well, I have nothing more to say about it.
The Saints went from the 25 to the 41. That's 34 yards.
But don't let silly things like facts get in the way of your opinions.
barrett
09-09-2019, 10:41 PM
This was a carbon copy of the loss last year in Philadelphia where we got a miracle TD in the final minute only to watch the defense piss away the game in the closing seconds.
Six sacks on Watson tonight when all was said and done - the most crucial blew right by Tunsil.
That was a terrible one by Tunsil. I can't blame a guy who's been here 5 days but I can blame the Texans for making a trade 5 days before the season started when the same deal could have been made 5 months ago.
barrett
09-09-2019, 10:42 PM
Or better yet don't give a high level pass rusher already on your roster away to another NFL team a week before the season starts.
Yep. That's the one I was referring to.
chuck
09-09-2019, 10:44 PM
The Saints went from the 25 to the 41. That's 34 yards.
But don't let silly things like facts get in the way of your opinions.
Great, well, that doesn't seem so bad then.
Just kidding. You're still a caricature for thinking that it's ok. I put an asterisk in my post above so I could refer to it when you showed up and went full barrett. Which you did. Like you always do.
Watson really needs to have one of these type of games go his way. Pendergast pointed out on the radio last night that four times in Watson's 23 starts, he has given the team a 4th quarter lead only to have the defense blow the game. Seattle and New England in 2017, Philly last year and last night. McClain (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/John-McClain-s-takeaways-from-Saints-30-Texans-28-14426856.php) takes it deeper:
Defense lets down Watson, again
What happened to the Texans on Monday night was similar to what happened in Philadelphia last season – a defeat that cost them a 12-4 record and a first-round bye in the playoffs. In both cases, the defense couldn't stop the offense one last time to help preserve a victory.
Against New Orleans, Deshaun Watson's 37-yard touchdown pass down the middle to Kenny Stills gave the Texans a 28-27 lead, but the defense let the Saints go 35 yards in 35 seconds, setting up a 58-yard Wil Lutz field goal attempt with two seconds remaining. He connected with no time remaining.
In the 15th game last season at Lincoln Financial Field, Watson threw two touchdown passes late in the game to overcome a 29-16 Eagles lead. The Texans led 30-29 after his 35-yard scoring pass to Vyncint Smith. The Eagles got the ball at their 11 with two minutes remaining, and quarterback Nick Foles made one big play after another to set up Jake Elliott's 35-yard field goal with no time left for a 30-28 victory.
Texans never out with Watson
In his third season, Watson still hasn't lost a regular-season game by more than one score. The 30-28 loss to the Saints was the ninth regular-season loss of his career. The Texans' average margin of defeat is four points in those games. Watson's most decisive loss was a 42-34 primetime defeat to Kansas City in NRG Stadium during 2017, his rookie year.
The only time Watson has lost a start by more than one score was Indianapolis' 21-7 victory over the Texans in last season's wild-card playoff game at NRG Stadium. The Texans picked a bad time to have their worst offensive performance of the season.
I suppose he will just have to be content with the fact that he did what he had to do and that he only can control what he can control....
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I'm liking what I'm seeing with the new running backs. Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde were showing some moves not seen in these parts in a while. It's early but the future looks bright.
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That sound you heard in the late 4th quarter was all the Debbie Downer's heads exploding on social media when Watson engineered the 2-play 75 yard drive to take the lead. Yep, they (the Texans) eventually lost but what a beautiful mess....
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Next up is the Jags and the early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) is Texans by 10.
barrett
09-10-2019, 07:48 AM
Watson really needs to have one of these type of games go his way. Pendergast pointed out on the radio last night that four times in Watson's 23 starts, he has given the team a 4th quarter lead only to have the defense blow the game. Seattle and New England in 2017, Philly last year and last night. McClain (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/John-McClain-s-takeaways-from-Saints-30-Texans-28-14426856.php) takes it deeper:
I suppose he will just have to be content with the fact that he did what he had to do and that he only can control what he can control....
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I'm liking what I'm seeing with the new running backs. Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde were showing some moves not seen in these parts in a while. It's early but the future looks bright.
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That sound you heard in the late 4th quarter was all the Debbie Downer's heads exploding on social media when Watson engineered the 2-play 75 yard drive to take the lead. Yep, they (the Texans) eventually lost but what a beautiful mess....
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Next up is the Jags and the early line (http://www.madduxsports.com/nfl-odds.php) is Texans by 10.
Hyde was fantastic and Johnson was solid, especially receiving. RB went from a negative to a positive and all it took was a terrible injury for a good guy. Run Blocking was almost as good as the pass blocking was bad.
Keith
09-10-2019, 10:03 AM
Lots to pick at in a tight game.
Second half defense? 27 points allowed. Kinda have to think Romeo got out-maneuvered here. Colvin seems to be who we thought he was. On that last pass completion to set up the game-winning FG, the DBs were all back but collapsed to their man... all except Colvin.
Watt double teamed all night. Couple LB blitzes worked ok, but pass rush is going to be an issue. Probably going to be an issue against guys like Brees (and Brady) anyway.
That drive with about 4 mins remaining. 2nd and long? Draw play for no gain. Third and long? Sacked (was this the Tunsil sack? I think so). Then go ahead and let that clock run while the punt team finishes their smokes before taking the field. I mean... yeesh.
And how about we let Duke Johnson run between the tackles more than he has in his NFL career? Or give the ball back to Hyde immediately after he busted a nice run (and was probably a little gassed)?
Taking a timeout only to then challenge a (yes, poor) spot in the first half... only to then lose the challenge and a second timeout. Hey, at least O'Brien didn't lose another 2021 draft pick there.
A lot of positives though. Tunsil was otherwise really good. I hope the Texans don't ruin him. Hyde was a welcome surprise. Watson is who we thought he was. Hopkins finally scored some "drops" but was still his amazing self. Some sweet luck on poor refs hating on the Saints (that end of 1st half time runoff was piss poor and the roughing the kicker call on Fairbairn's missed XP was fortunate).
A road loss to a non-conference opponent. If Watson's back is just a bruise, then the team came out relatively healthy. Looked like a squad capable of taking the division. Defense would stilll seem to be a matchup nightmare with the Pats offense.
barrett
09-10-2019, 11:03 AM
Lots to pick at in a tight game.
Second half defense? 27 points allowed. Kinda have to think Romeo got out-maneuvered here. Colvin seems to be who we thought he was. On that last pass completion to set up the game-winning FG, the DBs were all back but collapsed to their man... all except Colvin.
Watt double teamed all night. Couple LB blitzes worked ok, but pass rush is going to be an issue. Probably going to be an issue against guys like Brees (and Brady) anyway.
That drive with about 4 mins remaining. 2nd and long? Draw play for no gain. Third and long? Sacked (was this the Tunsil sack? I think so). Then go ahead and let that clock run while the punt team finishes their smokes before taking the field. I mean... yeesh.
And how about we let Duke Johnson run between the tackles more than he has in his NFL career? Or give the ball back to Hyde immediately after he busted a nice run (and was probably a little gassed)?
Taking a timeout only to then challenge a (yes, poor) spot in the first half... only to then lose the challenge and a second timeout. Hey, at least O'Brien didn't lose another 2021 draft pick there.
A lot of positives though. Tunsil was otherwise really good. I hope the Texans don't ruin him. Hyde was a welcome surprise. Watson is who we thought he was. Hopkins finally scored some "drops" but was still his amazing self. Some sweet luck on poor refs hating on the Saints (that end of 1st half time runoff was piss poor and the roughing the kicker call on Fairbairn's missed XP was fortunate).
A road loss to a non-conference opponent. If Watson's back is just a bruise, then the team came out relatively healthy. Looked like a squad capable of taking the division. Defense would stilll seem to be a matchup nightmare with the Pats offense.
The timeout/challenge bungling was unforgivable. Just challenge the play. The NFL's challenge system is a mess but that one was all on BOB.
The roughing the kicker call was questionable but if they had called running into (which was an easy call) the result is the same re-kick. That was not a bad break for the Saints, it was just phenomenally stupid football.
HPF Bob
09-10-2019, 02:19 PM
It's truly sad when you score with :37 left in the game and your first thought is "did we leave Drew Brees too much time on the clock?"
The Saints had a rookie back for the kickoff who had already made two stupid plays (fair caught a ball at his own 2 which the Texans negated with a penalty and took off with another punt after signaling for a fair catch).
Instead of kicking the ball deep into the end zone and letting the Saints have the ball at the 25 with no time run off, why didn't CareBear pop the kick down to like the 5 or 10 and *force* New Orleans to run off some clock on the kick return? Yes, there's a chance the Saints get a long return but I think the odds are better that you make them burn 7-10 seconds and let them take over between the 20 and 30? Or possibly commit a penalty themselves which often happens on kick returns? Instead, we just do the stupid thing and let Brees have the full :37 to work his magic.
barrett
09-10-2019, 04:12 PM
It's truly sad when you score with :37 left in the game and your first thought is "did we leave Drew Brees too much time on the clock?"
The Saints had a rookie back for the kickoff who had already made two stupid plays (fair caught a ball at his own 2 which the Texans negated with a penalty and took off with another punt after signaling for a fair catch).
Instead of kicking the ball deep into the end zone and letting the Saints have the ball at the 25 with no time run off, why didn't CareBear pop the kick down to like the 5 or 10 and *force* New Orleans to run off some clock on the kick return? Yes, there's a chance the Saints get a long return but I think the odds are better that you make them burn 7-10 seconds and let them take over between the 20 and 30? Or possibly commit a penalty themselves which often happens on kick returns? Instead, we just do the stupid thing and let Brees have the full :37 to work his magic.
Great point. Make them burn some time there and who knows what happens.
Blitzwood
09-10-2019, 07:27 PM
Per Ian Rapport:
Texans just released Aaron Colvin,
Sources: In the wake of last night’s loss, the #Texans are releasing veteran CB Aaron Colvin, just over a year into a 4-year, $34M contract. He gets his $7.5M for 2019, which was guaranteed.
HPF Bob
09-10-2019, 08:02 PM
Per Ian Rapport:
Texans just released Aaron Colvin,
Sources: In the wake of last night’s loss, the #Texans are releasing veteran CB Aaron Colvin, just over a year into a 4-year, $34M contract. He gets his $7.5M for 2019, which was guaranteed.
It was clear that Brees was singling him out. When Colvin switched receivers to guard, Brees still found him and targeted him.
On a happier note, I read the Texans had extended Nick Martin's contract.
barrett
09-10-2019, 09:10 PM
Per Ian Rapport:
Texans just released Aaron Colvin,
Sources: In the wake of last night’s loss, the #Texans are releasing veteran CB Aaron Colvin, just over a year into a 4-year, $34M contract. He gets his $7.5M for 2019, which was guaranteed.
Maybe he was told to play up and didn't on the last play.
nunusguy
09-11-2019, 08:39 AM
On a happier note, I read the Texans had extended Nick Martin's contract.
I'm no authority on Oline play but many who are consider both Manz & Fulton to be better centers than Nick Martin and feel that if he's starting at all it should be at guard and not center but clearly O'Brien likes him.
Frankly I don't know what position O'Brien can accurately evaluate ?
HPF Bob
09-11-2019, 09:50 AM
Maybe he was told to play up and didn't on the last play.
The other defenders on that side were much closer up but then I've seen defensive alignments where two guys play up and one guy is back even though a receiver is standing in front of each of them.
I do believe that if it is obvious the opposing QB is picking on one defender like Brees was with Colvin, you get your defender out of the game *unless* you intend to bait the QB and go for the pick. You have to force the QB to look for another option instead of taking the easy completion to the defender he's picking on.
I saw Colvin on Thomas and Brees threw to Thomas then I saw Colvin on Cook so Brees started throwing to Cook and then Colvin was moved to Ted Gimp, Jr. and - surprise - Brees starts throwing there. I don't think O'Brien cut him for one play. I think O'Brien cut him because he was Brees' personal key to where he was throwing the ball.
chuck
09-11-2019, 03:55 PM
I'm no authority on Oline play but many who are consider both Manz & Fulton to be better centers than Nick Martin and feel that if he's starting at all it should be at guard and not center but clearly O'Brien likes him.
Frankly I don't know what position O'Brien can accurately evaluate ?
At least we now know where all this free cap money is going. They're going to give top 5 money to bottom 5 players.
PFF had Martin ranked 5th in the division at his position. You'll note that there are only 4 teams. Yet he ranked 5th.
There is still a buzz (https://www.sportsbookreview.com/picks/nfl/new-orleans-saints-vs-los-angeles-rams-odds-free-nfl-pick/92299/) going on about this game:
Saints Off Wild Win
The Saints were 30-28 winners at home Monday night as touchdown favorites over Houston in quite possibly the most entertaining game we might see all season. In fact, it was the first time in Monday Night Football a lead changed more than once in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
I've heard the game described as a "heartbreaker" to Texan fans. Oddly, I didn't have the heartbreak feeling after this one. I felt the Texans gave as good an effort as they could have in a game they weren't supposed to win. But, here's hoping that the Texans keep giving us entertaining games and winning a few of them.....
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