I think this game will get ugly.
yeah. they're making some gaffs, but they're doing a lot of things right too.
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Game 5...Extreme test...Minnesota Vikings!
- Thread starter JamTex
- Start date
yeah. they're making some gaffs, but they're doing a lot of things right too.
kiwitexansfan
Hall of Fame
Just as I was thinking about the game and what a tough matchup it is, I had one thought.
Sam Bradford.
At some point he's going to get injured or crap the bed because..... Sam Bradford.
Playing the Vikings may be intimidating but playing Sam Bradford is reassuring.
I'm feeling as confident as I have all week.
Sam Bradford.
At some point he's going to get injured or crap the bed because..... Sam Bradford.
Playing the Vikings may be intimidating but playing Sam Bradford is reassuring.
I'm feeling as confident as I have all week.
driller80545
Noob
After watching the game tonight, I predict Minnesota 20, Texans 6. sorry
dinolord05
Noob
I change my prediction to 11 point W for MN. Walsh will miss a field. Man, I thought he got it worked out...nope.
Were you the one calling for Keenum when Fitzpatrick threw 6 TDs? lol
htownfan32
Hall of Fame
Keenum had an embarrassing fan club on here for the longest time. Borderline cult, but I don't think Herv was one of the crazies
Offensively, the Giants don't look too different from us.
They only scored 10 points.
They're also missing their TEs. Unless Anderson comes back from his injury, we're only going to have Ryan Griffin. TEs would help a lot with the way they like to stuff their LBs on the A gaps.
Getting Braxton Miller back, an "edge" player might help, but we have to challenge the space behind the LBs & win more times than not to help against their double A gap look.
PapaL
Loose Screw
Speaking of Braxton, any updates? I've been so wrapped up in my little world since the TNF beating that I haven't been following too closely. Didn't even catch last weeks game.
Number19
Hall of Fame
The Chron reported this morning that he is making steady progress in his hamstring rehab, but is noncomittal on whether he will be ready to play against the Vikings.
Hervoyel
BUENO!
I like Keenum a lot but I've always understood his limitations. He was at most a long-term project. Jeff Fisher seems to think this as well and he's put a lot of time into Keenum's development. Bill O'Brien didn't appear to have much interest in doing that and I completely get that decision. I just didn't get what followed (the great QB-go-round of 2014-2015). But Case is a gamer much like Fitzpatrick. He's just not the standard NFL QB and I can't really fault any coach for not wanting to tie his wagon to taking a flyer on him.
It's fun watching him play in L.A. though. He's come a long way.
PapaL
Loose Screw
So he'll be on IR by the weekend. Leg amputation forthcoming, Got it. Thanks lol
I'd like to say yeah he can totally make in an immediate impact but we don't know that at all. Completely unproven and nothing but potential.
If Oz has no timing with Nuk, how could we expect Braxton to get meaningful touches? (Serious question)
usernameJJ
Waterboy
Yeah, who is this guy?!?! Watching him play the Giants last night he looked completely competent
JamTex
Hall Of Fame Texans Fan!
After watching last nights game, The Vikings defense is just smothering. They are good against the run and pass.
Lamar Miller will have a rough night against the defensive front 4. Osweiler will need to make good decisions with the ball. When he throws deep, he's going to have to be accurate. He needs to use his check downs more and make safe yardage. The Vikings are good at shutting out the middle of the field, so Fuller needs to make the catches to pull the corners and safties out and open up the middle for Griffin, Lamar and Strong. Osweiler needs to get DHop involved without trying to force the ball to him. Every time he's tried to force the ball to DHop, it's been picked off. That can't happen in this game. Those Vikings safties are ball hawks and a misthrown ball will get picked off.
Sam Bradford had some short fields to take advantage of last night, and he did. The Texans can not turn the ball over. If Bradford has a short field to work with, the Vikings will score. Can't let that happen. The defense will need to shut the run down and force Bradford to drop back. Bradford isn't a scrambling quarterback and if he gets hit, he starts making mistakes. Clowney, Mercilus, Covington, Wilfork and Peters will need to get to him and hit him often.
The linbackers need to be ready for Bradford to check it down. He's very good at making those check downs and finding his receiver in open field. Can't give them an open field to play in. This will be a good game to pull the safties up for run support and shut down Bradford's check downs.
Bradford can throw it deep, but he doesn't throw it deep often and the Texans can take advantage of this by playing the corners man up and getting the safties to primarily play run support and shut out the check down passes.
Special teams has to hold onto the ball and give Osweiler breathing room. Izzo needs to have them ready for this game. A key will be touchbacks on kickoffs. If the ball reaches the endzone, Ervin needs to down it and get the ball to the 25 to start the drive. Can't risk fumbling the ball on our own side of the field.
It's going to be a tough game. Spreading the field and opening anything up against the Vikings defense is easier said then done.
It's a winnable game for the Texans, but being in Minnesota, Gotta still give this one to the Vikings.
Lets wait and see what happens on Sunday.
Lamar Miller will have a rough night against the defensive front 4. Osweiler will need to make good decisions with the ball. When he throws deep, he's going to have to be accurate. He needs to use his check downs more and make safe yardage. The Vikings are good at shutting out the middle of the field, so Fuller needs to make the catches to pull the corners and safties out and open up the middle for Griffin, Lamar and Strong. Osweiler needs to get DHop involved without trying to force the ball to him. Every time he's tried to force the ball to DHop, it's been picked off. That can't happen in this game. Those Vikings safties are ball hawks and a misthrown ball will get picked off.
Sam Bradford had some short fields to take advantage of last night, and he did. The Texans can not turn the ball over. If Bradford has a short field to work with, the Vikings will score. Can't let that happen. The defense will need to shut the run down and force Bradford to drop back. Bradford isn't a scrambling quarterback and if he gets hit, he starts making mistakes. Clowney, Mercilus, Covington, Wilfork and Peters will need to get to him and hit him often.
The linbackers need to be ready for Bradford to check it down. He's very good at making those check downs and finding his receiver in open field. Can't give them an open field to play in. This will be a good game to pull the safties up for run support and shut down Bradford's check downs.
Bradford can throw it deep, but he doesn't throw it deep often and the Texans can take advantage of this by playing the corners man up and getting the safties to primarily play run support and shut out the check down passes.
Special teams has to hold onto the ball and give Osweiler breathing room. Izzo needs to have them ready for this game. A key will be touchbacks on kickoffs. If the ball reaches the endzone, Ervin needs to down it and get the ball to the 25 to start the drive. Can't risk fumbling the ball on our own side of the field.
It's going to be a tough game. Spreading the field and opening anything up against the Vikings defense is easier said then done.
It's a winnable game for the Texans, but being in Minnesota, Gotta still give this one to the Vikings.
Lets wait and see what happens on Sunday.
I think he likes Purple
Helps to know that you don't have to take chances on third down because your defense will hold down the other guys and get you the ball back. And they may even get you extra possessions - the Vikes lead the league in T/O differential.
Texansballer74
The Marine
This will be a tough game for sure but it is very winnable. I envision a well coached game by both O'Brien and Crennel. Brock will have his best game as a Texans and he won't throw a pick. Miller will run hard but there won't be that many open holes to run threw. He will be very pivotal in the passing game. Hopkins will have a great game and we will see some Fuller magic.
Texans 34
Vikings 17
Texans 34
Vikings 17
Porky
Hall of Fame
Texansballer74
The Marine
If we sustain a loss in this manner again Mr. McNair will lose his mind. He warned our coaching staff last year so I don't see us losing another game by blowout. If we do, bye bye Coach O'Brien and maybe Crennel.
Texansballer74
The Marine
JWLCASPER
Waterboy
If the Texans put up 30+ at the new "fortress" of the Vikings then we will be somewhat back in a serious contender discussion. But unless we get another Fuller special teams score or defensive touchdowns, there is not a high likelihood we touch 30. The Vikings D is legit top 3 in football. I'll take two glasses of that Kool-aid with Jager on the side though.
kiwitexansfan
Hall of Fame
Turnovers aren't consistent or predictable they'll dry up.
I think what you might be seeing from Bradford is the infamous 'dead cat bounce'
Bulls on Parade
2017 Astros: Earn It!
The Vikings defense is the best in the NFL through four games this season. They're on pace to put up better defensive numbers (fewest points allowed, least total yardage) than what the Super Bowl champion Broncos defense had shown last year. They shut down the last two league MVPs and elite quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. They held the Packers and Panthers to a combined 24 points. They made Odell Beckham Jr. look below average last night.
If the 3-1 Texans can upset the 4-0 Vikings on the road, I think that may make the NFC look a little overrated, but also it would prove we're the third best team in the AFC for now. I don't think people around the country will view us as better than the Patriots and Steelers. It's debateable if we're better than the Broncos but we play them later this season.
If we lose to the Vikings people will just say, "it's the same old Texans!" Good enough to win a bad AFC South division but not good enough to beat a good team on the road.
It is nice to see a team like the Vikings not using injuries as an excuse. No Adrian Peterson, their best players over the past decade. We don't have J.J Watt but after Sunday we could be 4-1 just like the Vikings if we go out and win. Losers make excuses and talk about injuries. The winning teams just find ways to win despite the injuries.
Bill O'Brien calling the offensive plays is also a good thing. It's going to be a good chess match against Mike Zimmer, who calls the Vikings defensive plays. I love to watch head coaches who directly coach against each other on both sides of the ball.
My prediction: Texans 19, Vikings 16
Blair Walsh, who is struggling, misses a costly field goal and extra point. That dude continues to miss a lot of field goals and extra points. He cost the Vikings a playoff win against the Seahawks earlier this year by missing a chip shot.
If the 3-1 Texans can upset the 4-0 Vikings on the road, I think that may make the NFC look a little overrated, but also it would prove we're the third best team in the AFC for now. I don't think people around the country will view us as better than the Patriots and Steelers. It's debateable if we're better than the Broncos but we play them later this season.
If we lose to the Vikings people will just say, "it's the same old Texans!" Good enough to win a bad AFC South division but not good enough to beat a good team on the road.
It is nice to see a team like the Vikings not using injuries as an excuse. No Adrian Peterson, their best players over the past decade. We don't have J.J Watt but after Sunday we could be 4-1 just like the Vikings if we go out and win. Losers make excuses and talk about injuries. The winning teams just find ways to win despite the injuries.
Bill O'Brien calling the offensive plays is also a good thing. It's going to be a good chess match against Mike Zimmer, who calls the Vikings defensive plays. I love to watch head coaches who directly coach against each other on both sides of the ball.
My prediction: Texans 19, Vikings 16
Blair Walsh, who is struggling, misses a costly field goal and extra point. That dude continues to miss a lot of field goals and extra points. He cost the Vikings a playoff win against the Seahawks earlier this year by missing a chip shot.
banned1976
sleeper mode
I don't think the Texans will win. I don't think it will be close. But I don't think it will be the end of the season, no chance in the playoffs.
This is a game where I think J.J. would have made a huge difference in the outcome of the game. But, without his constant pressure on Bradford, I don't see it consistently coming from anywhere else. And when given time, Bradford throws a great, accurate ball regardless of coverage.
I just don't see our offense being able to stand toe-to-toe with the Vikings defense. Our D will be worn out by the fourth quarter by all the three-and-outs and probable turnovers, and I have yet to see any potential that this offense, and specifically Brock, has the ability to put the team on its back and will itself to victory. I hate saying it, too, because I like Brock. But that doesn't cloud my objectivity. They are who they are right now until proven otherwise.
I just don't see our offense being able to stand toe-to-toe with the Vikings defense. Our D will be worn out by the fourth quarter by all the three-and-outs and probable turnovers, and I have yet to see any potential that this offense, and specifically Brock, has the ability to put the team on its back and will itself to victory. I hate saying it, too, because I like Brock. But that doesn't cloud my objectivity. They are who they are right now until proven otherwise.
Bulls on Parade
2017 Astros: Earn It!
As long as we don't beat ourselves with costly turnovers and stupid penalties, this game will come down to special teams. And our special teams unit is playing exceptionally well right now. While the Vikings special teams unit, especially their kicking game, is very unreliable. I think we can pull out a close game. Like I said, 19-16 Texans.
We have to beat the Vikings at their own game: Solid defense, a game-managing offense with Sam Bradford. We can't have Brock Osweiler taking too many risks and throwing two more picks (6 INTs in 4 games is unacceptable). He just has to play smart and hopefully O'Brien is dialing up the proper play calls.
Sure, we'll take some shots deep with Brock Osweiler in this game. Vikings cornerback Terence Newman is 5'10 and 38 years old! I remember when the Dallas Cowboys drafted that dude several years ago! Jeez, we're all getting old for that matter. And while Newman has played well this season you know that father time is undefeated. He's bound to have a bad game sooner or later. We have a lot of youth, speed and size at wide receiver.
I think this game will come down to one or two big plays, and I believe the Houston Texans will be the team making those plays. As great as the Vikings defense is, I don't believe they have played a team with as much speed and quickness as the Houston Texans have on offense. As long as we can get our guys into open space and our offensive line gives Brock "just enough time" to throw the ball we'll do some good things in this game.
Bulls on Parade
2017 Astros: Earn It!
We have to focus on exploiting some individual matchups at various positions that actually favor our speedy and quick offense in this game. If you play this game on paper, and not on the field, then I agree the overall stats may tell you that the Vikings defense will overwhelm our offense.
If our guys go into this game with the mentality of what you had just written (basically being afraid of that amazing Vikings defense and not being able to stand toe-to-toe wth them), then sure, we'll get blown out 27-0 just like we did on the road against the Patriots.
If you break things down and simplify everything (which is what we have to do in a tough road game like this), I believe we can make those few extra big plays to win this game.
I really hope our guys believe they can win this game like I do. I've seen so many negative comments saying that the Texans have no chance to beat the undefeated Vikings on the road.
ESPN has the Texans defense ranked at 5
The Vikings defense is ranked 7
That's with Green Bay & Philly only playing three games.
We are 25th in offense. They are 29th.
They get turnovers... we give turnovers. It's in their house.
I'm afraid O'Brien is going to come out with that, "Don't make mistakes, don't turn the ball over." game plan we took to New England. If he does, we'll get blown out. Mistakes will still be made, just like New England it wasn't our offensive turnover that they scored on. It was the ST turnovers in the red zone.
We're not going to win every game. But if we're going to beat the New Englands & Pittsburghs & whoever else, we're going to have to make plays. We're not going to learn to make plays agains the better teams if we turtle up every time we face them.
If we're aggressive & get blown out, I'm fine with that. If we're curled up in the fetal position & get blown out... not so happy.
The Vikings defense is ranked 7
That's with Green Bay & Philly only playing three games.
We are 25th in offense. They are 29th.
They get turnovers... we give turnovers. It's in their house.
I'm afraid O'Brien is going to come out with that, "Don't make mistakes, don't turn the ball over." game plan we took to New England. If he does, we'll get blown out. Mistakes will still be made, just like New England it wasn't our offensive turnover that they scored on. It was the ST turnovers in the red zone.
We're not going to win every game. But if we're going to beat the New Englands & Pittsburghs & whoever else, we're going to have to make plays. We're not going to learn to make plays agains the better teams if we turtle up every time we face them.
If we're aggressive & get blown out, I'm fine with that. If we're curled up in the fetal position & get blown out... not so happy.
They just played the Giants. Cruze, Beckham, & Shepard..... yeah, they got speed.
thetexanator
Veteran
minnesota doesnt have a qb. they got sam bradford, the guy that hasnt been good since college
uhhhhh, have you watched him play this year?
thetexanator
Veteran
no way. id rather watch hoyer play qb! lol!
I never liked Sam either, but he's playing good football with the Vikings.
VikesFanUSMC
Practice Squad
I'm not here to talk crap, just to talk about this game! Good luck to you guys and the Texans this week! Hopkins and Fuller are going to be our toughest WR match up of the year!
I'm also here just to have a friendly discussion about the game and our teams. Texans have always been one of my "second" teams. Really jealous of Hopkins (Vikings really whiffed taking Patterson over him).
As far as the game, I think the Vikings win by two scores. They're playing really well, the defense is for real, and I think a lot of you are discrediting Bradford. I know his track record in the NFL hasn't been great, but he also has had tons of different coaches/coordinators. This is also probably the best team he's had around him and he's playing great football (2 bad throws last night).
I'm thinking 24-14 or something like that. If Watt were healthy it'd be different but I think that is too big of a blow for the Texans in this game.
As far as the game, I think the Vikings win by two scores. They're playing really well, the defense is for real, and I think a lot of you are discrediting Bradford. I know his track record in the NFL hasn't been great, but he also has had tons of different coaches/coordinators. This is also probably the best team he's had around him and he's playing great football (2 bad throws last night).
I'm thinking 24-14 or something like that. If Watt were healthy it'd be different but I think that is too big of a blow for the Texans in this game.
That's a strange way to word what happened.
That's essentially what they did. I know Hopkins was picked before him, but they targeted him the entire time. They could have taken Hopkins at 25 and maybe landed Rhodes at 29.
Fair point about pick 25, but would have risked losing out on Rhodes in that case and he was clearly the guy they favored most of the three.
Just glad we chose something right in that garage sale of a draft.
Welcome to the board!
Y'all gotta' be stoked to be 4-0 right now after losing Bridgewater and Peterson. Most of the national media had written you off after losing both of them, but your team rallied and has been playing great ball.
Bradford has surprised me. I have never been down on him like others seem to be, but dude just couldn't stay healthy for any length of time. Now, though, for him to come into a team right before the season starts and find a place has been truly a testament to where his head is at right now, especially after dealing with the circus in Philly.
I'm hoping Nuk (Hopkins) and Fuller give you fits, but after watching the game last night, I think the burden is going to be on Brock to avoid forcing throws like he's been doing the first four games. Your secondary will eat him alive if he's not more careful with his choices.
VikesFanUSMC
Practice Squad
"Could have"'s are basically saying "What if". Hindsight is 20/20, don't dwell on the past. If you want to play that game, 31 teams passed on Leveon Bell. Some teams passed on him twice.
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VikesFanUSMC
Practice Squad
Ya I am definitely surprised we are 4-0, especially after losing AP and Teddy. I knew our defense was going to be as good as they are, but after losing Teddy I was sure that we were bound for an 8-8 season. When we first got Sam, I was skeptical but not mad like a lot of guys on the vikings forum I am on. He has been incredible with us. He has always had the tools, just never a good team around him. Now he has a great team behind him, and IMO a top 3 Coach in Zimmer masterminding the whole operation with our GM Rick Spielman.
Fuller and Hopkins could give us fits. But like you said, Brock needs to make very smart decisions. Our front 7 is one of the most talented in the NFL, and our front 4 are a nightmare because of our double A Gap blitz schemes. If your line can hold up against our rush, this should be a really good game. It is very difficult to run on us mainly because of Linval Joseph who is just an immovable object in the middle.
I am guessing a 27-17 win for my vikes.
I think it's definitely possible they give some fits. Zimmer is known for shutting down or limiting good wideouts, but every team is bound to get burned here and there.
I'm really hoping this is somewhat of a trap game for the Vikings. The Eagles game is next, so maybe Bradford will have that on his mind and make a few mistakes for us. That seems to one of the best ways for the Texans to beat good teams. Have them help us beat themselves! 
Houston has seen plenty of Zimmer's defenses over the years. Not that it will have any relevance to Sunday.
Bulls on Parade
2017 Astros: Earn It!
All of those guys are small height wise. We have bigger wideouts who are just as fast. Plus Victor Cruz is coming off serious injuries and isn't nearly as fast as he once was his first two years in the league. His production has gone down every year as well.
Odell Beckham Jr. is an elite wideout (top 5), no doubt, but he is becoming a temper tantrum on the side lines. Even his own head coach is telling the media he has to control his emotions. He has had two games in a row where he took himself out of the game because he couldn't keep his emotions in check. Opposing defenses have done a good job frustrating him.
Sterling Shepard is a fine looking rookie. Will Fuller he is not (Fuller is the AFC offensive player of the year so far), but you are right, he has nice speed. I remember praising the kid when he played at Oklahoma. I'll give you that. Shepard has a lot of potential.
The Giants have a couple of their best running backs out with injury as well. They have nothing good, much less quick and fast, coming out of the backfield. They certainly don't have somebody like Lamar Miller for a defense to worry about containing, both in the running game and passing game.
I just feel like the Texans offense is young, very quick and fast playmakers at the skill positions, taller and more physical receivers. The Vikings defense is facing a different challenge than what the Giants had showed them last night.
Also DeAndre Hopkins has been quiet his past two games. I wouldn't expect him to have a third bad game in a row. I don't care how good the Vikings defense is.
Speaking of Odell Beckham Jr. put on ESPN Sportscenter right now. Odell Beckham Jr. just said he is not having fun playing football right now. He is making every excuse he can make for his poor performances in recent games. At least DeAndre Hopkins is a class act compared to him. Nuk' doesn't make excuses when he doesn't play well.
Your secondary is going to be a heck of a test as well. I generally want your coaches to test that third or fourth DB, but your 3rd corner is Terrence Newman. Trae Waynes can probably match our speed. X Rhodes can muscle Hopkins. Hopefully we'll learn something that will help us against conference opponents like Denver & their three corners.
What? Has he done anything special?
He's playing smart, protecting the football. Not taking any unnecessary hits, or risks. But he's not blowing any minds, or making incredible plays. He's just Sam.
Don't get me wrong, it's pretty dang good since he wasn't on the team until a week before the season started. But it's a work in progress, most likely playing a lot better in December than he is now.
Bulls on Parade
2017 Astros: Earn It!
I'll take the Texans wide receivers over the Vikings secondary any day of the week. My main concern is can our banged up offensive line give Brock Osweiler enough time to make some big plays in the passing game? A good running attack will certainly help us. Lamar Miller has been more impressive than I could have asked for so far this season. We've been overworking him to be honest. He's been a workhorse back so far.
The Vikings tenacious defensive line and relentless linebackers are as good as any in the game. That's the main reason they are 4-0, IMO. We have to find a way to slow down their front seven on defense. Our offensive line will have their hands full. Our O-Line is going to be critical in this game.
If we can get our dangerous playmakers on offense in the open field we're going to score some offensive Touchdowns against the Vikings. We have a chance to win this game if our offensive line steps up and plays well.
All-Pro Left Tackle Duane Brown is very close to making his 2016 season debut for the Texans. Bill O'Brien mentioned earlier this morning that he's been making good progress and could play against the Vikings on Sunday. What a huge boost his return will be for our entire offensive line.
Not to argue, may just be semantics. But he's had some pretty good talent around him. His problem has been injury & Chip Kelly. But those were some pretty good teams, even in St Louis. Their fortunes would have been much better if Bradford could have put together just two back to back healthy seasons.