A few key points to beating the Raiders

[thunderkyss]

I'm slipping this in here, it's from Cold Hard Football Facts

2. Wade Phillips' new Texans defense.



The Texans have the fourth best defense, in terms of points against with a 17.5 point per game average. That's a far cry from the 29th place Texans defense in 2010 who allowed, on average, 27.6 points per game. In his last three match ups against the Texans, Darren McFadden has rushed 30 times for 91 yards and no touchdowns. Those last three match ups were against the pre-Phillips Texans defense. Mario Williams and Antonio Smith are tied for third in the NFL with four sacks a piece. Johnathan Joseph is tied for second in the NFL with two interceptions. Brian Cushing has 28 tackles in four games. The Texans defense has allowed only one 100+ yard rusher this year and has held every other running back they faced to under 50 rushing yards per game. This isn't the Texans' defense of yesteryear with a welcome mad in the end zone. Jason Campbell and Darren McFadden will have to step up and make big things happen to pull off a win in Houston.



3. The Texans' passing game.



Andre Johnson may be out this week, but that won't limit Matt Shaub's passing game. Owen Daniels (Shaub's No.2 target) has 14 receptions for 182 yards on the year and leads the team with three touchdowns. Jacoby Jones (7 receptions 91 yards) will be stepping into Andre Johnson's shoes while Johnson is out. James Casey (163 yards and a touchdown) and Kevin Walter (49 yards and a touchdown) will also be working their way into the rotation against the Raiders. Shaub has no shortage of options in the passing game, especially against a team who's struggled against the pass, ranked 22nd allowing an average of 273.8 passing yards per game.