Monday, November 14, 2011

Houston, Do We Have a Problem?

The Houston Texans are 7-3, including 3-0 against their weak division and have won four games in a row. Barring a complete meltdown, they should win the AFC South and make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. However, injuries have dominated their season.

Starting running back Arian Foster, who had a total of 2,220 yards last season, had ten carries in his first four games, due to injury. Thankfully, he is now healthy and has had two 75+ yard touchdown receptions this season. The last running back to do that was Gale Sayers during his rookie season of 1965.

Star wide receiver Andre Johnson is one of the best in the game. Over the past three seasons, he had a total of 4,360 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. He looked to be on pace for another one of those seasons, until he injured his hamstring. He has now missed the past six games, but is expected to return after the team's bye this week.

Former #1 pick of the 2006 NFL Draft, Mario Williams was having a great season. Through five games, he led the team in sacks and was playing well enough to lead the league by the end of the season. Then, he tore his pectoral and his season was over.

Coming off an impressive win over Tampa Bay 37-9 on Sunday, the Texans had to be feeling good. Today, news reports announced that 2010 Pro Bowl MVP quarterback Matt Schaub had suffered a Lisfranc injury. What is that you might ask? It is a joint in the midfoot that is rarely injured, but when it is can be rather serious. Other NFL players that have been affected by this injury include Dwight Freeney, Kevin Jones, and Larry Johnson. Original reports ruled him out for the next several weeks, but a source announced that it is believed he could be done for the season. Houston is on a bye week this week, so Schaub should visit specialists. Stay tuned for more information.

The Texans have proved all season how good their depth is. Now, it is time for former USC star Matt Leinart to prove himself. Leinart was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, but he suffered on and off the field troubles in the desert. After being unemployed last season, Leinart signed a one year contract to be Schaub's backup. Schaub had never missed a game since becoming a Texan, but he will now. This is Leinart's second chance. He has one of the most talented offenses in the league around him. In order to succeed, he must limit his mistakes.

Houston's has had plenty of injury problems this season, but the Texans refuse to give up. They will look to use this week's bye to rest up and heal as they prepare to make a run at the franchise's first ever playoff berth. Houston does have some problems, but don't doubt this Texans team. They could have a playoff run in them.

Article about the Texans' depth (written prior to Schaub's injury): http://bleacherreport.com/articles/932659-houston-texans-depth-a-key-for-a-deep-playoff-run


Houston Chronicle blog post about Matt Leinart becoming the starting quarterback: http://blog.chron.com/sportsjustice/2011/11/what-do-you-have-for-us-matt-leinart-next-man-up-for-texans/

No comments:

Post a Comment