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Game 1...Season Opener...New England Patriots!

banned1976 said:
I don’t know how anyone can believe they’re sure what’s going to happen week 1of an NFL season. But if you just look at recent history, say 3 seasons, clearly TB and Belichick have an advantage over BoB and Watson. BoB has thrown away wins all by himself, one to the Pats last year.

There are 3 areas the Texans have serious problems in this game: o-line, STs and secondary. Mentioning the secondary may surprise some but the holes in that secondary may be just big enough for a QB of Brady’s caliber to exploit. Kevin Johnson is a bust and the depth is severely lacking. I won’t be surprised if the Texans get routed.
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You say "Kevin Johnson is a bust" like it's a fact. In fact, that's just your opinion. He was coming into a year after barely getting playing time the previous 2 years because of injury. Then there's the fact that the defensive coordinator, Vrabel, was not good and couldn't get his players into the right play against any offense. Romeo won't have that problem. Also, there was almost no pass rush so quarterbacks had all day for their receivers to shed the secondary and get open. That was the case for the whole secondary, not just Johnson and it's impossible for even the very best shut down corners to cover receivers as long as the Texans secondary was having to stay with them.
This year, Watt is back along with Mercilus. The rest of the front 7 and the depth behind them are much better this year. Getting to the quarterback and forcing him to get rid of the ball quicker will help the entire secondary as well as Johnson. Calling him a bust is by far way premature. He'll come into his own behind a much better defense.
The o-line has shown a great deal of improvement over last year by allot. If they are just middle of the pack, Watson will take them the rest of the way with his play. He proved he could do it last year and this year with an improved o-line, he'll get even more done and win those games that were lost last year.
Special teams looks leaps and bounds better then last year, or any other year for that matter. Like Car bombed stated.
Don't get your panties in such a wad. The Texans will be much better then last year in every way.
 
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Everything pointing to a Texans win on paper. Which is why you gotta like the pats......

To be honest so long as Brady and Bill are there I dont think I'd ever pick texans to win at NE. I still dont trust OB.
 
The Pats OT Ulrick John has a torn tendon in his foot that will require surgery.....he'll be out for the season......he was on his way to winning the starting right tackle position. Again, that did not help the Pats going into the opener.
 
Question on something besides Brady, coaches, past history...According to thread CB Kevin Johnson is scheduled to start?
 
One week away from just possibly the best game of opening weekend.
This one is going to be fun.
Let's get ready for allot of action in this one.

Go Texans!!!
 
My 3 keys to the game.

1. Deshaun Watson and co. need to bring their A game. OB has been planning a new offensive scheme all off-season, it better be worth the wait! I want to see an aggressive confidence he has lacked to show at this point. With Watson and Hopkins, he should have no doubt who gets the ball in crunch time. The answer is NOT Lamar Miller.

2. Watt, Clowney, Mercilus, Honey Badger, and the rest of the Texans defense should be ready to dominate opponents. They are finally healthy and ready for a huge year. The Patriots lack of offensive firepower (outside of Grink) should make this is a game where we can impose our will on them. We need to pressure Brady all day long and find creative ways to shut down Gronk. I expect their rushing game to be stonewalled.

3. Special teams in a game like this can make all the difference. The Patriots have been great at special teams for years. Houston is constantly struggling in the return game and always having to face long fields. I want to see our depth step up and contribute to a win. Keep the field position battle in our favor.

My X-Factor: JJ Watt. I know it is a lot for a guy coming off two major injuries and missing a lot of time, but the Patriots O-line is really hurting and he is in prime position to control the line of scrimmage. We need him to pressure and hit Brady all day long, make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Show your fans and your haters that you still got it!

Prediction: Texans 31 Patriots 17
 
WOW! I like the enthusiasm, but this is the evil empire we're talking about here. They've been at or near the top longer than the Texans have been in existence.

Do I think the Texans can win? Yes. But they usually have to have EVERYTHING go right, and sometimes that's still not enough.

I honestly don't know what to expect from this Texans offense, but I do not expect them to keep up the 34 points a game run they had in Watson's 6 games. 27-30, top 5 scoring? Maybe, but we'll have to wait and see.

Yes, pressure on Brady is important, even more so without blitzes, and further so up the middle. I feel a little better with RAC calling the shots, and of course everyone healthy out of the gate.

Starting off 1-0 in Foxborough would be a great start, and I think the Texans can win if they bring their A game in all 3 phases, but I'm going to hold my enthusiasm until they prove they can beat the dark lords. Hanging with them and still losing ain't good enough.
 
Christian Sam suffered what was reported as a foot injury, that placed him on IR early 2016. The injury was actually a severe ankle injury. He came back stronG last season.
Another loss for the Pats. He's a strong tackler and thumper and was a good addition to the STs and as an ILB.
 
JamTex said:
You say "Kevin Johnson is a bust" like it's a fact. In fact, that's just your opinion. He was coming into a year after barely getting playing time the previous 2 years because of injury. Then there's the fact that the defensive coordinator, Vrabel, was not good and couldn't get his players into the right play against any offense. Romeo won't have that problem. Also, there was almost no pass rush so quarterbacks had all day for their receivers to shed the secondary and get open. That was the case for the whole secondary, not just Johnson and it's impossible for even the very best shut down corners to cover receivers as long as the Texans secondary was having to stay with them.
This year, Watt is back along with Mercilus. The rest of the front 7 and the depth behind them are much better this year. Getting to the quarterback and forcing him to get rid of the ball quicker will help the entire secondary as well as Johnson. Calling him a bust is by far way premature. He'll come into his own behind a much better defense.
The o-line has shown a great deal of improvement over last year by allot. If they are just middle of the pack, Watson will take them the rest of the way with his play. He proved he could do it last year and this year with an improved o-line, he'll get even more done and win those games that were lost last year.
Special teams looks leaps and bounds better then last year, or any other year for that matter. Like Car bombed stated.
Don't get your panties in such a wad. The Texans will be much better then last year in every way.
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I just have a different outlook on this game than you, that’s all.

As for Kevin Johnson, when he plays he gets picked on a lot. When he plays. He has regressed since he came into the league, possibly due to injury. To this point, IMO (I can’t believe I still have to point out I’m writing opinion on a message board) Kevin Johnson looks like a 1st round bust.
 
banned1976 said:
I just have a different outlook on this game than you, that’s all.

As for Kevin Johnson, when he plays he gets picked on a lot. When he plays. He has regressed since he came into the league, possibly due to injury. To this point, IMO (I can’t believe I still have to point out I’m writing opinion on a message board) Kevin Johnson looks like a 1st round bust.
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I got ya brother. I know it's hard to have faith in anyone on this team after all the years we thought we had the team but didn't. After all the years talking about how "these players are the best we've had" but weren't. I've suffered one heart ache after the other with this team year in and year out. Just like you. I'm over 50 and still looking for a Houston Super Bowl and not just one hosted by our great city.
This year just feels different. We haven't even ever seen a quarterback like Watson. And yet, we finally have him. Hopefully.
Kevin has been seriously impressing this offseason. In both OTA's and training camp. We didn't get to see him in a preseason game. The powers that be are trying to keep him healthy. He looks like the promise he showed during his first season before he broke his foot. This is his last chance. It's a contract year for him. It's now our never. Either he stays healthy and shows up to play some great ball or he will be gone next season. Let's see how he uses this last opportunity before we call him a bust. He might just impress enough to get the 5th year option used on him as a one last "prove it" year next year. Hold judgement off just a little longer. He might be ok. Even pretty good. We'll see.
 
I sure hope we can hang a scarlet L on Bellicheat. Even his dog hates him.
 
My prediction, Brady and BB deflate the hopeful attitude of Texans fans everywhere within two quarters. The Texans patchwork offensive line has Watson running for his life, throwing several picks. An over eager defense allows screens to explode and the pats march down the field at will. It's Foxborough, we don't win there. Would be lovely to go up there and stomp them but the realist in me is just ready for another reason to drink a few bourbons and yell.
 
NastyNate said:
My prediction, Brady and BB deflate the hopeful attitude of Texans fans everywhere within two quarters. The Texans patchwork offensive line has Watson running for his life, throwing several picks. An over eager defense allows screens to explode and the pats march down the field at will. It's Foxborough, we don't win there. Would be lovely to go up there and stomp them but the realist in me is just ready for another reason to drink a few bourbons and yell.
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I understand your skepticism. What if Houston does go into Foxborough and shock the Patriots? What will you say then?
 
FOXBOROUGH — Patriots left tackle Trent Brown walked through the locker room wearing a smile and an AC/DC T-shirt Sunday morning but he was the lone absence from the team’s practice that afternoon.

Brown had surgery on his right shoulder last December but made a full recovery and was healthy throughout the preseason. If he does not return to practice soon, it would be cause for concern, given the strength of the Texans’ pass rush the Patriots will be facing on Sunday.

In potentially better news for the offensive line, though, right tackle Marcus Cannon practiced on Sunday.

Scarnecchia said the plan was for Cannon to do individual drills at least and probably some 1-on-1 work, adding that the team hopes to have him available for Week 1. Cannon missed the preseason with a leg injury.
****https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/...ot-practice/5QAPP0G3ujrntzFh7KaWgL/story.html
 
The Patriots pared their roster from 90 to 53 players on Saturday afternoon, but the team is hardly set for next week’s season opener against Houston.

A flurry of moves will be coming over the next two days as Bill Belichick and his staff assess the team’s needs, the players available on the waiver wire, and any trades that can be executed.

In fact, the Patriots only kept 52 players on Saturday. The roster churn will likely continue through next weekend.

“Vets who make the roster today still are not safe,” former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi tweeted. “They have to be on the roster this time next week and have their salary guaranteed. Teams hold vets to see if there might be a market for them after all the cuts.”The Patriots are stacked at the top of the roster with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, but they do have some issues. Let’s take a look at the Patriots’ biggest weaknesses following initial roster cutdowns:
1. Offensive tackle

On the roster:Trent Brown, Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle.

Analysis:The Patriots’ thin wide receiver corps has gotten most of the attention this summer, but offensive tackle is by far the most glaring soft spot right now.
The Patriots have a lot of uncertainty at one of their most important positions. They’re replacing trusty Nate Solder with Brown, who has barely played left tackle at the NFL level. Cannon is penciled in at right tackle, but he didn’t play a snap in the preseason because of injury. Waddle is solid enough as a third tackle, but the Patriots really could use another body.

They had a lot of bodies in camp, but four of their seven offensive tackles didn’t make the initial roster. Some of it is due to bad injury luck. Rookie first-round pick Isaiah Wynn tore his Achilles’, and his loss is significant. Fifth-year journeyman Ulrick John was looking like a decent bet for a roster spot, but he hobbled off the field with a foot injury in the preseason finale and was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, ending his season.
***
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/...ter-cutdown/kw6tkMSOqCm3wyBRuxUXkL/story.html
 
The Texans advantage on offense is speed. The Pats have a veteran defense without speed in the secondary or the edge. Attack downfield with Fuller and Hopkins, and the middle opens up.

Everyone knows Brady wants to dink and dunk down the field. Don’t let him. Bring the coverages up and force Brady to hold the ball. Then the Texans pass rush can become a factor. I’d rather see a shoot out than see the Pats go 80 yards in 12 plays, keeping Watson off the field.
 
JamTex said:
I understand your skepticism. What if Houston does go into Foxborough and shock the Patriots? What will you say then?
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I guess you missed the part of my post that said "Would be lovely to go up there and stomp them..." You and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I love the sport, but also realize we're 0-ever against them in Foxborough. I'm a realist. You're more upbeat sunshine and rainbows. I love it. But I'm going off of past results. The GOAT at gilette is a low percentage win opportunity. But I'd love to go up there and stomp them.
 
JamTex said:
I understand your skepticism. What if Houston does go into Foxborough and shock the Patriots? What will you say then?
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Ref will say no to that. Were gonna get held, arm bared and roughed up and those flags will stay in their pocket.

Once the pats needs a drive, flags will come out thrown with the gusto of a man who just consumed 10 bottles of monster energy drinks running and make first down signs like a mad man. Tell me I am wrong????

Tell me=?
 
@PatDStat: Kevin Johnson coming out of the concussion protocol to be ready for week one. Expected to be the starter opposite of Johnathan Joseph with Aaron Colvin getting significant snaps. #Texans
 
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infantrycak said:
Geez, excuse making before the game.
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Games? That what you call it? More like WWE wrestling if you ask me.

Yeah..... your the dude the goes to the casino and think you have an equal chance of winning huh?

I am all for it win or loose, but I ain't going into this contest acting the fool believing that is not gonna be rigged against us.


Lo and behold I do like Wrestling by the way. And I totally support the refs rigging the game in our favor too. The question is why and why now. Been like this since the tuck rule.
 
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dwight pugoy said:
000000


Games? That what you call it? More like WWE wrestling if you ask me.

Yeah..... your the dude the goes to the casino and think you have an equal chance of winning huh?

I am all for it win or loose, but I ain't going into this contest acting the fool believing that is not gonna be rigged against us.


Lo and behold I do like Wrestling by the way. And I totally support the refs rigging the game in our favor too. The question is why and why now. Been like this since the tuck rule.
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Just another conspiracy theorist. Lol
 
For goodness sake Bill, act like your at least angry when a questionable call is called over and over and over against your guys.
JamTex said:
Just another conspiracy theorist. Lol
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Hell yeah baby! Spygate and Deflate gate never happened :D It was all done by the commish to stir up emotions from Bill and Brady so they will be motivated enough to win 4 more superbowl rings.

True story
 
dwight pugoy said:
000000


Games? That what you call it? More like WWE wrestling if you ask me.

Yeah..... your the dude the goes to the casino and think you have an equal chance of winning huh?

I am all for it win or loose, but I ain't going into this contest acting the fool believing that is not gonna be rigged against us.


Lo and behold I do like Wrestling by the way. And I totally support the refs rigging the game in our favor too. The question is why and why now. Been like this since the tuck rule.
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If this is the WWE then the Undertaker is about to go down in Wrestlemania.. Deshaun Watson is the new "It" QB in the NFL and if the league really does only care about marketing players he's the guy.
 
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JamTex said:
I got ya brother. I know it's hard to have faith in anyone on this team after all the years we thought we had the team but didn't. After all the years talking about how "these players are the best we've had" but weren't. I've suffered one heart ache after the other with this team year in and year out. Just like you. I'm over 50 and still looking for a Houston Super Bowl and not just one hosted by our great city.
This year just feels different. We haven't even ever seen a quarterback like Watson. And yet, we finally have him. Hopefully.
Kevin has been seriously impressing this offseason. In both OTA's and training camp. We didn't get to see him in a preseason game. The powers that be are trying to keep him healthy. He looks like the promise he showed during his first season before he broke his foot. This is his last chance. It's a contract year for him. It's now our never. Either he stays healthy and shows up to play some great ball or he will be gone next season. Let's see how he uses this last opportunity before we call him a bust. He might just impress enough to get the 5th year option used on him as a one last "prove it" year next year. Hold judgement off just a little longer. He might be ok. Even pretty good. We'll see.
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He has yet to be exposed to any serious on the field experience or serious contact.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
He has yet to be exposed to any serious on the field experience or serious contact.
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Coming right up on Sunday. We'll see how he performs then. He had better get his act together and stay healthy or he's not going to be here next year. It's a prove it or lose it year for him like I said above. We'll see.
 
Note to O'Brien:

Get your foot on the gas pedal, both on offense and defense, and don't let that foot loosen up until the clock shows QTR 4 TIME 00:00!!!!!! When you finally look up.....maybe there will be a route showing....in the Texans favor. Don't do Beli any favors, this time.
 
Such a curious game to start the season. My gut says we should be able to compete and even win the game. My head says "they are the Pats dummy" soo no prediction. Just happy to fire up the smoker, lay around in my pajamas all day long and watch some good football. No injuries and lets get it on!
 
This should be the best game of the week. It looks to have all of the makings of the game of the week. Brady against Watson. Bill B against Billy O. Brady against the Texans defense. Watson with his weapons. Who can slow who down? Should be a great one.

Go Texans!
 
Bull Durham said:
opening on the road, at the AFC champs. We're the underdogs.
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getting 6 points and the O/U is 50/51. I take the points and bet the over.

NastyNate said:
An over eager defense allows screens to explode and the pats march down the field at will.
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This is always my worry against the Pats. Death by a 1,000 cuts. Brady will be dumping it off all day to RB's and little slants and screens. Texans HAVE to defend this or it will be a long day.

JamTex said:
What if Houston does go into Foxborough and shock the Patriots? What will you say then?
Click to expand...
He'll have MORE bourbon!!
 
There is a first time for everything.

Even tho I am also a Pats fan (being from there), I really believe the Texans can go into Foxboro and win. Pats usually start off the season a little slow and with all their personnel changes they are likely to be slower that usual.
We can within a couple of plays last year - a dropped ball for an interception and the 4th and 1. Think our defense is so much better this year, Think Brady is going to be running for his life and he does not do well under pressure.
 
badboy said:
I need to get 1st aid kit ready. Bandaids for busted knuckles hitting ceiling. Actually happened during an Oiler game. Smelling salts, throat lozenges, crying towel, etc.
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Haha, me too! Busted my cousin’s ceiling fan in an Oilers vs Steelers game. Cut my fingers up pretty bad.
 
I’m looking forward to watching Texans games this year.

Last season after gm 1 I checked out.

A lot of Watson’s great performances I only saw in highlights.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Unless Cunningham has become much improved, he will not be able to cover Gronkowski without a lot of help.

His coverage skills, especially against TEs, were very lacking last year.

The Film Room: Zach Cunningham (2017 Season Review)

Matt Weston takes a look at Zach Cunningham’s rookie season.
By Matt Weston@Mbw987 Mar 1, 2018, 8:00am CST
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Well, he was a rookie.

But I think They’ll need to give whoever is manned up on him some help.

I think Cunningham and Cole could see some gronk duties but I think the safeties have to be a large part of keeping him in check.
 
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