Official Texans vs. Giants Game Thread, 10/10/2010
 

The 3-1 Texans will take on the 2-2 New York Giants this weekend at Reliant. If the Texans want to see 4-1, they will need to fight off the Giants and their very aggressive defense which looked awesome on the recent Sunday night game vs. Chicago - so the Texans O-line will have their work cut out. The Texans are presently 1-1 against the NFC East this year and it will be another opportunity for Coach Gary Kubiak to take his career W/L record over .500 for the first time (currently 34-34).

TV = FOX (Channel 26 local), 12 pm CST

Announcers = Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa

Opening line = Texans by 3.5
Current line = Texans by 2.5 to 3

Set your DVR's....

The Giants D looked awesome against the Bears but terrible against the Colts. The major difference in those games was that the Colts ran the ball all night and the Bears threw it every down. The Giants have an upfield Defensive line, so it is crucial we run the ball at them. If we can run it I don't think we'll have much trouble.

Plus the Giants offense has not looked great. So here's to a healthy dose of Foster and a number of screens to all the backs (and OD) to take advantage of their DL.

I agree that getting the RBs going early and using misdirections, screens and draws to slow down the rush is critical. We can't have Schaub chucking and ducking all day and expect to win.

Getting Cushing back will, I hope, make us better in pass defense. Last week's group of Ryans, Diles and Adibi just seemed too light to go against the physical Raiders. The Giants are another team that would just as soon run through you than pass over you.

Diles had his worst game as a pro, IMO. I'm not sure why.

This week, though, Bradshaw has an injured ankle/foot and may have trouble playing. Every play Brandon Jacob is in the game, we are one play close to a win! So, that situation bears watching.

Wish we had Duane for this game, but screw it. Don't let them get a pass rush going. Pick spots to throw, run the ball, wouldn't mind using Slaton in the screen game. Let's do it.

Butler is about the same as Brown in pass pro, IMO. He is a little less in the run blocking. Not a big drop off with him in the game. Wish we could figure a way to get Butler Brown and Winston on the field together after the suspension is over.

Our rushing offense will be a key this weekend, so lets hope and pray that Foster dosen't miss any meetings.
LT sub Butler seemed to play a pretty descent game in Oakland, hope he keeps it up. On the subject of the Oline, guess the Texans are still platooning/rotating Brisiel & Caldwell @ RG ? Isn't this pretty unusual at this point of the season and is it possibly counter-productive to not settle on one guy and go with him as the unquestioned first-stringer ?

The Giants will put up a fierce passrush on D and come out with a quick pass 3 step drop ala Dallas on offense, until we prove we can overcome that gameplan. Our answer should be a big dose of Foster running the ball. Hopefully our WRs and TEs will be more healthy for this game so we can become multidimensional.

Heard a report that AJ practiced full speed today and JJ won't practice full speed till Friday. About what I expected to hear.

As long as we don't commit stupid turnovers and penalties on offense, I guess we will do well against Giants, but likely be a close game again.

And maybe we get some big plays on special teams, that would be good to see.

Go Texans!

The NFL Total Access said he didn't practice at all????

ESPN's Rachel Nichols (why does she report like she's a kindergarten teacher?) who is at Reliant just reported that AJ and Mario will play today.

So you're saying that Butler is one of our 5 best Olineman ?
On todays game, I expect to see both AJ & Mario on the field but dunno how effective each will be ? At this point they are probably 2 of our 3 MVPs, so their health is a big issue.

Eheh, true. I can't believe NFL Network has Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin on the same panel. Man, that's a lot of ego for the average viewer to handle....

Gametime!

Texans win the toss and will receive.

Slaton brings the kickoff back to the Texan 24.

TE screen to OD goes for 19. Ball at the Texan 43.

1st down pass is batted down.

Schaub set to pass has the ball knocked out but Texans recover. Loss of 3, 3rd down, 13.

Dump to Foster loses 4 so Texans have to punt.

Punt is returned to the Giant 29 but flag on the play. Block in the back on Giants = 1/2 the distance to the goal.

Notice there were no running plays the first drive.

KC starts the game with a botched onside KO attempt. Indy gets down near the goalline but settles for three. Buffalo takes the early 7-0 lead on Jackassville.

Ball ends up at the Giants 9.

Bradshaw TFL for -4. Brings up 2nd and 14.

2nd down pass goes inc. Cushing in hot pursuit of Manning...

Timeout Giants.

On 3rd and 14, Manning's dump to Bradshaw is dropped so Giants have to punt.

DA brings the kickoff back to the Texan 46.

Foster for 3. Brings up 2nd and 7.

Foster for 3 more. Brings up 3rd and 4.

3rd down pass is tipped inc. so Texans have to punt.

Oh man, punt returner muffs the punt but Giants recover. Giants ball at around their 15.

Fortunate bounce for the Giants. Texans O needs to move the ball.