Niners Nation:Know Thy Enemy 2009: Houston Texans

[Wolf]

So much for posting these every Wednesday. Well, I think you guys will survive with getting it a day late. This week we look at an intriguing opponent, at an intriguing time of the season for the 49ers - @ Houston, coming off the bye week. More importantly, it's the start of a 3-game jaunt versus the AFC South: @ Houston, @ Indianapolis, vs. Tennessee. Arguably the toughest 3-game stretch all season.

The Houston Texans are represented at SB Nation by Tim over at Battle Red Blog. Head on over and enjoy the constant stream of Dunta Robinson contract updates.

Overview
I have to admit, Matt Schaub is one of my favorite non-49ers in the league. A college buddy of mine was a huge Virginia fan and he turned me on to Schaub back in his Wahoo days. Schaub took a very solid step forward last season, but early season struggles for the team, yet again, sumbarined any playoff chances. They finished 8-8 for the second straight year, but once again they fell short of the playoffs in the always tough AFC South.

The Texans were in excellent shape on offense. Their offense finished the season 11th in the league thanks to a career year from Andre Johnson and a huge rookie season for 3rd round pick Steve Slaton. That seems like a recipe for success. Unfortunately, their defense finished a robust 29th in the league overall, equally abysmal against the run and the pass.

Additions

http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/7/9...houston-texans

[Andrew6]

Originally Posted by Wolf

http://www.ninersnation.com/2009/7/9...houston-texans

I was sure we finished better than 11th on offense. Am I wrong? I thought we had a top 5 offense

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by Andrew6

I was sure we finished better than 11th on offense. Am I wrong? I thought we had a top 5 offense

3rd on yardage.
4th passing.
13th rushing.
17th scoring.

Don't know where 11th came from.

[Andrew6]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

3rd on yardage.
4th passing.
13th rushing.
17th scoring.

Don't know where 11th came from.

I looked on the link that they found and it had us ranked 3rd and Colts ranked 11th.

http://footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamoff

[HOU-TEX]

Our offense was ranked #3 overall. Our defense was ranked #22 overall.

[Norg]

we would have been better on O if we didnt turn the ball over has much or if sage didnt start for us has much

remember that ravens game were he throw like 3 INT in like 4 mins !!!!!!!!

[SuperRY]

Sounds like they're kinda scared of us, judging by their fan comments...

[TEXANRED]

Originally Posted by SuperRY

Sounds like they're kinda scared of us, judging by their fan comments...

They should be. Mario Williams, Meco, Smith, Barwin, Xavier, Cushing. A young, fast athletic secondary with Reeves, Bennett, Moldin, and GLove. I also think Barber is going to take a step forward at SS.

And thats just on defense.

AJ, Slaton, Walter, OD (or Casey), and if Schaub and Chris Brown show up and play 16 games this will be the team to beat in the AFC.

JMHO.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by SuperRY

Sounds like they're kinda scared of us, judging by their fan comments...

The Niners should fear every team on their schedule. I don't think Lombardi could win with that group.

From the thread starter link:

In our schedule discussion, ProfessorBigelow and I both predicted a 49ers win. As I said in the discussion, if the 49ers are going to take that proverbial step forward as a team, this is a must-win game for them.

Proof that there are homer fans on every team.

[Carr Bombed]

Originally Posted by Lucky

The Niners should fear every team on their schedule. I don't think Lombardi could win with that group.

Well to be fair, like us they did finish on a high note. They won 5 of their last 7 games I believe. Mike Singletary is doing a great job there and he got them to play tough last season (especially on defense) If they could ever get consistent QB play they could be dangerous......they're pretty solid everywhere else. After what happened against the Raiders last season, I'm not looking past any team....atleast though, unlike the Raiders we get to play the 9ers here.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Carr Bombed

Well to be fair, like us they did finish on a high note. They won 5 of their last 7 games I believe.

To be accurate, I'm not one of those who got all giddy over the Texans winning meaningless games at the end of the season.

Look, I'm happy for Singletary. But, he will need time (and a QB) to turn this team into a winner. My central point was how similar fans across the league are. If you went by opposing fan board predictions, the Texans would likely go 1-15 this season (Jag fan will admit that winning 2 from the Texans is next to impossible).

[Carr Bombed]

Originally Posted by Lucky

My central point was how similar fans across the league are. If you went by opposing fan board predictions, the Texans would likely go 1-15 this season (Jag fan will admit that winning 2 from the Texans is next to impossible).

Yeah I get that and even some Jag fans think they'll go to the playoffs this season. That's what's great about this league.....every fan feels their team has a shot in the offseason......well, except Lions fans. LOL