Texans/Broncos matchup

[TexaninDenver]

Hello, all.

First time posting here. Heading to the game on the 27th at Invesco Field. Man, do I miss the Bayou City!!! Any thoughts on how the Texans might stack up against the Hobbie Horses?

[MADDENFAN]

What's The Deal With Jake Plummer ? Are The Broncos Really Convinced This Guy Can Lead Their Team To The Playoffs? I'm Starting To Believe All Of Arizona's Losses Weren't Just Because Of Their Lack Of Talent. It Seems He Has All The Tools To Be A Good Qb, Just Hasn't Put It Together Yet. Oh Yeah Back To The Real Topic,texans Will Be Be On Top When The Starters Leave The Game After That I Have No Idea.

[texasguy346]

I think it will be interesting to see AJ matched up with Champ Bailey. Seth Payne is set to play some during the game, and that should improve our defensive line. I'm a bit concerned about him returning against Denver who's O-Line is known for making barely legal blocks. However, I am also eager to see him back in action even if it's only for a series. I think the tightend for the Texans might play a larger role in the game due to the inexperience of the Broncos starting LBs. I belive its DJ Williams and Pierce starting now, but I thought that Pierce went down with an injury. John Lynch brings leadership to the Broncos secondary, and he's pretty tough on the run. If Hollings plays he could see some good hits. Unfortunately the Broncos don't look to have a potent passing attack, but we will get a chance to go up against a very good running team. It will be good to go against the Broncos backs, and it will prepare the defense for facing LT and the Chargers. I just hope for no injuries on either side of the ball, and a good showing by both teams.

[edo783]

I live in the Denver area, so I get to see them and listen to the area sports shows. So far the first team offense in three games (they played an extra with the HOF) has not scored a touchdown and only won one game. That will not sit well with their coach. According to the sports writers and talk shows, they will be approaching this much more like a regular game and will be game planing for us. (I believe we will be doing some game planning also).

Jake Plummer - VERY erratic so far
Ashlie Lilie - Very Bradford like. Catches a hard one drops the easy one
Darrius Watts - has looked very good so far
Quinten Griffin - Looks like another 1000+ yards runner for them. Lots of speed.
Rod Smith - Solid but not spectacular so far
Defense - Just fair, Champ hasn't stood out as much yet.

If they play like they have been we win, but I suspect they will be getting a shoe up their backsides to make a statement this week and it is in front of their fans. Most sports sites have them listed in the top 10 teams going into the season. If they play like they should be able to, we will have a steep hill to climb. Having said that, the fact that we lost at Pittsburg in such a bad manner MAY provide the impetus for us to do well and pull it out.

[RTP2110]

Denver better hope Q. Griffin can step up right away in thier running game. From what I've been hearing Plummer has been horrible so far this year.

[Vinny]

I don't see how anyone could bet on a preseason football game. It's a glorified practice.

[Doom Capers]

If our line plays anything like they did last week I would say Griffin will have about 100 rushing yards and 3 td's.

[rittenhouserobz]

Originally Posted by Vinny

I don't see how anyone could bet on a preseason football game. It's a glorified practice.

Its like betting on what direction a hurricane will take.

[V Man]

Originally Posted by Vinny

I don't see how anyone could bet on a preseason football game. It's a glorified practice.

I can, people bet on anything. I saw a show one time where they were betting on roach races. (now that is desperate)

[99FirehawkTA]

Originally Posted by rittenhouserobz

Its like betting on what direction a hurricane will take.

im up $110.00 so far this pre-season. Ive bet on a couple of games and its worked out so far guess im just lucky.

given the Texans dismal performance last week I think its any ones game (of course). Im leaning toward the Broncs to win this one cuase they have more to prove than we do, especialy infront of a home crowd.

Any one know whos game planning for this one?

[99FirehawkTA]

Originally Posted by caddy

I asked the same question! Only thing I came up with is
greed, seems like the only reason.

you are correct.

[BigDTexansFan]

Plummer's problems in Arizona was fact he carried whole offense on his shoulders...erratic now is probably the west coast offense he strikes me as a guy who is more comfortable calling plays and throwing deep then running a system. I think we can safely say after Capers scorched a number of butts this week...we will see an intensity level approaching explosive...look for Texans to play at level they did week 1.......Texans win Denver loses

[Dilbert R.]

Denver has something to prove in front of their home crowd, and we have something to prove to ourselves following the dismal performance against Pittsburgh. This week's Preseason game usually is the most interesting one, because it is traditionally the longest preseason action the starters get to see. With Dominick Davis coming back, I'd look for us to establish dominance running the ball - and Carr being the one of the first starters on the bench (because he has played really well so far, and has nothing to prove). The only problem is, Andre is sitting this game out (apparently) over the death of a family member - and we will be without him. IT will give us a chance to see some more of the other receivers fighting for action.
I believe Houston CAN win (of course), but our main objective will simply be to correct the problems that were glaring at us after last Saturdays "glorified practice" against the Steelers. Stay healthy, correct the problems, adjust some attitudes, gain some confidence - that is what we will be looking for - and that may not translate into a preseason win.

[El Tejano]

Don't be suprised if we really don't show much again this time. We play these guys Nov 7th. Likewise for Denver.

[TexanExile]

Limited game plan, no AJ, who-knows-who at RB, no G-Funk, and both teams playing close to the vest on purpose. Add in the Texans' short week between road games, the shutdown of camp, and stir vigorously.

My prediction: Kendrick Starling wins a job, but the Texans lose the game 20-17.

[V Man]

My problem with this game is it is on Friday night. Do they not know they are in Texas. Friday night is High school football. Now I have to set my VCR and hope no one ruins it for me.

[El Tejano]

Well they will be playing in Denver.

[edo783]

With it being their first home game and the fact that they haven't been setting the world on fire up to now, I suspect we will have a GREAT deal of trouble coming away with a win. Supposedly Shannahan has been all over them this week about scoring (the first team has yet to score a TD). The press and the fans sure have. Great concern being expressed about Jake's poor playing. I look for them to come out and really press for a substantial performance. Hopefully we can make that a substantialy BAD performance.

[texasguy346]

Here's an article from ESPN about the matchup.

ESPN

Texans, Broncos Looking For Answers

Associated Press

DENVER -- The Denver Broncos have struggled through three preseason games, unable to get much going on offense.

The Houston Texans were blown out last week after an impressive win in the opener.

Both teams have cause for concern, but it can all go away with one game.

With a game plan in place for the first time this season and the starters expected to play at least half the game, Friday night's contest should go a long way toward helping the Texans and Broncos figure out if they are really that far off.

"Whatever happens, hopefully we can be effective and get something out of it," Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said. "It'll be good to get into the mind-set of game planning and getting ready for the regular season."

Denver's biggest problem has been offense.

The defense, behind new acquisitions Champ Bailey and John Lynch, has been as good as advertised, helping Denver stay close in its three preseason games.

The first-team offense has been worse than expected, failing to score a touchdown and managing just 12 points in 11 preseason series.

The Broncos started to move the ball a little better last week in a 19-3 win over Seattle, Denver's first victory of the preseason, but there's still a ways to go.

The Texans are wondering which version of their is going to show up on Friday.

Houston opened the season with an impressive 19-0 victory over Dallas, then squashed any momentum with a disheartening 38-3 loss to Pittsburgh last week.

"As a unit, we went out there and pretty much laid an egg," defensive end Corey Sears said. "We've been making our corrections and getting ready for this week to see what we can do."

Of course, it's not going to get any easier with the number of players who won't be available against the Broncos.

Andre Johnson, Houston's leading receiver as a rookie last season, won't make the trip because of a death in the family. Defensive tackle Seth Payne isn't expected to play because of a knee injury and defensive end Gary Walker is out with a strained groin.

Houston at least will get to see running back Domanick Davis in game action.

The team's leading rusher as a rookie last season hasn't played in the preseason because of an ankle injury, but he returned to practice and is expected to play against the Broncos.

"I just want to get out there and help my team out," Davis said. "Just seeing them when we're down, I'm not part of it. I just want to help."

While the Texans will get their first look at Davis this preseason, the Broncos will be trying to figure out which running back will be the starter when the regular season rolls around.

Second-year back Quentin Griffin, Clinton Portis' backup last year, has been the starter throughout the preseason, but it's a tight race.

Mike Anderson is slimmed down and seems to have regained the quickness he had as the NFL's offensive rookie of the year in 2000. Garrison Hearst has looked good and has been asking for more playing time, and speedy rookie Tatum Bell will play for the first time after missing the first three games with a broken finger.

At least the Broncos have two more games to figure it out. After playing in the Hall of Fame game, the NFL's preseason opener, Denver has five preseason games this year instead of the typical four.

"We will get a chance to evaluate players with two games left," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "A lot to evaluate, so it's always nice to have that extra game."