The upcoming Saints game, 9/25/2011
 

The Texans (2-0) travel to New Orleans in Week 3 to do combat with the Saints. The Texans are looking to go 3-0 for the first time in team history but will have their work cut out for them going against the talented Saints.

The Saints (1-1) came up just a little short versus the world champion Packers losing 42-34 in the NFL season opener in Green Bay. In week 2, the Saints easily handled a tough Chicago Bear team at home defeating them 30-13. QB Drew Brees threw for 3 TD's, 0 INT's, 26/37 270 yds and had a QB rating of 118.1.

TV = CBS (channel 11 local), 12 pm CST

Announcers = Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf

Looks like a good portion US will will be watching. Should be one of the top early games.

Favorite = Saints by 4

No doubt that NOLA has one of the best offenses in the NFL and Miami isn't even in the same solar system when it comes to any comparisons with their offensive unit, on the other hand would it not be accurate to say that the 'Phins actually have a better defensive unit than the Saints do ?

I would say yes. But New Orleans is like Indy in that they get 10Xs better when playing with a lead. Then they can disregard the run and go blitz crazy, and that covers up for the fact that they can't cover. It also lets them hide Roman Harper. What they did to Jay Cutler in the 4th quarter made me think of David Carr's rookie year.

So we better not fall behind or we'll be lucky to escape with Schaub on 2 feet.

On the O, I hope to see a good bit of the screen game this week to counter the blitz packages we will likely see. Would feel much better if Foster was 100%, as he is much more shifty than Tate, but it is what it is. I would expect OD/Dressen and possibly Casey to be much more involved in the game plan this week, and a ton more 3 step drops from Schaub.

On the D, I am expecting Wade to come with a similiar game plan as he did with the Fins. Lots and lots of Nickel, and give up some chunks of yards on the ground, to avoid as many of the big plays as possible. A turnover or two would sure help our cause.

If we can keep up with them by half time, we could have a shot at this one. If we can't.....I don't see the Saints as a team we can mount a huge comeback against.

i think we are going to see a good bit of casey releasing up the middle for quick passes just past the line of scrimage to slow down the linebackers

Definitely a challenging game, but we can beat them Saints.

We may have to even play some dime defense to cover all the receivers they send out at times. Just hope JJo's ankle is well by Sunday. Keep the pressure on Brees somehow with four or five in the box would be great.

Offense, if we can establish the run, have some long scoring drives, that should help quite a bit. Don't give up any turnovers. Avoid the bad penalties.

And hopefully special teams will give us some great field position again.

That's all. Sure, plenty of concerns as well, but staying positive.

I think the key matchup is going to be the Saints run game vs. the Texans run defense - this might decide the who wins and loses.

Got a feelin' the game could turn into a real barnburner: lots of big plays, big hits, special teams scores, etc. Just hoping the Texans join in on the fun....

In Houston, I'd rate it a toss-up. In New Orleans, I think the Saints will win. Urgency to win is on their side after seeing the Falcons beat Philly on Monday night. We're 2-0 and probably feeling too good about ourselves.

another one of those can't be wrong, sit on the fence , no confidence,
non-positive type answers, but likely applies to most of us in someway till we see more consistency out of Texans over longer period of time.:confused:

Bob and I are really the same person. I'm surprised you guys haven't figured that out by now.

Well, the Texans are not expected to win... the wiseguys think we'll lose by 4. It would be the perfect time for the Texans to step up and show everyone that this team is different from all those other Texan teams.

Will they do it? Who knows, but I think if they do lose, it will be very important to the fanbase how they lost. IMO, a last-one-with-the-ball loss would be more palatable than getting blown out.... If they fight hard, keep it close, limit the mistakes and don't shoot themselves in the foot but still lose, I wouldn't hold it against them - but that's just me. It's extremely tough to go 16-0.

The Saints team this weekend will play a lot different than the one they beat in preseason. I'm hoping the Texans take off the gloves and let her rip....

I actually thought what Bob said was pretty clear. The Texans would have a chance at home, but Bob picks the Saints in New Orleans. Pretty reasonable.

Since I have no money riding on it I am saying Texans via run the ball and keep it away from Brees, with just enough red zone defense mixed in. 31-27 sounds about right.

But the only bet I'd make on this one is the over.

Texans-Saints
 

Looking forward to this game. Houston is currently ranked sixth in the latest power ranking, if they win, they'll be a Top 5 team.

Not surprisingly, not much love from the pundits this week for the good guys chances this weekend. Saw quite a few covers, but only 1 that I recall for an outright win.

Big, big test. Looking forward to seeing how competitive we really are. Can we hang with one of the big kids on the block? I think so, but time will tell.

Here's to hoping DEN can get thier shit together as well. Would like to see the Titans take another beating. Not too worried about the Colts or the Hags, they are going to be toast before its all said and done.

yeah, i obviously want to see the texans win, and believe they have a legitimate shot, but i think if you are looking at the game from an unbiased perspective (at this point in the season) you have to give the edge to the saints when picking the game. i think the texans are going to need an early turnover to get the crowd somewhat out of the game and give the offense a shot at going up a couple of scores.

agree on denver 100%, hopefully the titans will have a bit of a let down game after their surprise win last week.