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Wild Card Round

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JB said:
You realize the Chargers have the #1 scoring defense and have allowed 30 points only twice all year and the Texans have scored 30 only twice all year?
I love your optimism
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It also doesn't necessarily take 30 + points to beat the Chargers. They have had their stinkers this season as well.

Our inconsistency on offense and concerns with O line play are valid, and the most likely reason for why we lose this game. At the same time, the Chargers are not some juggernaut. It really depends on which version of the Texans show up this Saturday. Everybody talked like we shouldn't even have shown up last year to play Browns. Same narrative right now. It's up to our guys to shut everyone up.
 
Dutchrudder said:
Should have shut down the whole team after clinching the division, there was nothing to play for and only injuries to be had. Could have gone into the playoffs with a healthy roster, but instead we are limping in missing a few guys and having zero confidence in the team.Anything
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DanielTx said:
chargers are #1 in points allowed. this game is going to be so funny. poor Cj
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Anything can happen in the playoffs. Playing at home is big. Obviously need to get past the Chargers first but I think any potential divisional opponent is beatable too.
 
Speedy said:
Chargers it is.
The last time Houston pro football played the Chargers in the playoffs, Vernon Perry had 4 INT.
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Speaking of the Oilers. I always think of the Chargers as the west coast version of the Oilers. Always snake-bitten, always disappointing their fans. Even with Harbaugh, if there is a way for them to blow the game, they will.
 
Earl34 said:
Speaking of the Oilers. I always think of the Chargers as the west coast version of the Oilers. Always snake-bitten, always disappointing their fans. Even with Harbaugh, if there is a way for them to blow the game, they will.
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Yep, where the Oilers had Buffalo, Chargers had Jacksonville

They did make the SB once upon a time though
 
JB said:
You realize the Chargers have the #1 scoring defense and have allowed 30 points only twice all year and the Texans have scored 30 only twice all year?
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qvqastl9c2361.jpg
 
^^^^ That's all very nice but they also held the Chiefs under 20 twice and kept Mahomes under 250 yds passing and sacked him 3 times twice.

All set for Stroud and Nico to show out!
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
Bengals 27 points (Burrow 356 yards 3 tds)

Ravens 30 points (LJ 177 yards 2 tds, Henry 140 yards rushing)

Bucs 40 points (Baker 288 yards 4 tds 1 int)

Yes, they hung tough with the Chiefs (division rival) but so has everybody else this season.
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Exactly..I feel all the love to the chargers is a little overblown. The good teams they played smoked em.
 
TheMatrix31 said:
Hate to say if but the way we've played, it's kind of true.

I hate the insecurity "nobody believes in us" crap especially since people *did* but we lost that good will, but the team *should* be running the clip of CJ Stroud saying "aight" when he was told that we couldn't beat the Browns or whatever it was.

Maybe that'd wake em up.
]
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The Texans are +9000 on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the Super Bowlopens in a new tab, tied for the worst odds among all playoff teams.

Based on their recent form, across their last three games, Houston averaged just 14.7 points, tied for third-worst in the NFL.
 
Herbert has had his own OL issues this season. The difference is he’s more experienced and has been able to rise above lackluster OL play and take care of the football. He doesn’t get impatient, he takes what is given.

But he’s been taking his share of hits along the way. And the Texans defense are really good at pressuring the QB.

The Chargers are insistent on running the ball but I wouldn’t say they are a dominant running team. The Texans should be able to keep this a low scoring defensive battle.

The difference will be which QB can put on their cape and make the clutch play needed to win. And until that moment comes don’t force a bad play that puts your defense on a short field.

This will come down to a handful of plays. Who is going to make them?
 
IDEXAN said:
Unlike the Texans & the Chargers, both the Broncos and Bills are arguably national draws
and therefor probaby atttract a larger audience but not sure about the Was-TB game.
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TheRealJoker V2 said:
This is the best matchup we can get. And thinking long term… Steelers are the best option to knock off the Ravens being a division rival who has already done it once this season.
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Bugman7star said:
It also doesn't necessarily take 30 + points to beat the Chargers. They have had their stinkers this season as well.

Our inconsistency on offense and concerns with O line play are valid, and the most likely reason for why we lose this game. At the same time, the Chargers are not some juggernaut. It really depends on which version of the Texans show up this Saturday. Everybody talked like we shouldn't even have shown up last year to play Browns. Same narrative right now. It's up to our guys to shut everyone up.
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Joe Filacco is an old gezzer statue, but Justine Herbert is very young and very athletic: comparing the two is apples & oranges.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
The Texans are +9000 on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the Super Bowlopens in a new tab, tied for the worst odds among all playoff teams.

Based on their recent form, across their last three games, Houston averaged just 14.7 points, tied for third-worst in the NFL.
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Good thing the NFL counts the entire season and not just the last 3 games.

The Texans are a playoff team. Not just because they won a weak division. They have the 5th best record in the AFC. A playoff team by any metric. Look, I'm not betting the Texans to win the Super Bowl. I would only bet three teams if I were to bet. Chiefs, Lions, and Ravens. But the games still have to be played. And as long as the Texans are playing, they have the same chance as most of the teams.
 
I’m picking Texans. Home game. Week 14 bye week as opposed to Chargers week 5. Week 18 some players were able to get additional rest. Have had a few weeks or so to refine offensive line adjustments and incorporate Diontae Johnson into the scheme. Player availability. Relative playoff experience as a team. I get that there’s a buncha reasons to argue against a win. So what. Go TEXANS!
 
It's a pick-em game to me, but probably slight edge Chargers.

Chargers strengths match our weaknesses. That's the biggest issue I have.

Chargers number one scoring defense, only allowing 17.5/game, and one of the very top red zone defenses as well.

Both numbers play into where the Texans are weakest.

Chargers also have the advantage in coaching and in the quarterback area - two things I always look at in any playoff match-up.

The Texans D can hang with the Chargers early. Not having Pitre or at least Ward is a major issue, but I trust DeMeco to have something cooked up to at least keep McConkey from being a game wrecker. He'll get a few; just keep everything in front of you.

But if the offense cannot sustain drives and put some legitimate points on the board by the second half, expect the Texans' D to start wearing down and the Chargers' run game to start to take over.

That's the half-glass empty view. Chargers 24, Texans 13.

Half glass full?

Ok, I hate to heap praise on the offensive line, but the line played a legitimately good game against the Tits. Yes, the same Tits who had nothing to play for, but they have Simmons and that big hoss in the middle and the line consistently paved the way for good runs. This new line configuration worked imho. In my mind the biggest key to this game for a Texans win is their run game. If...huge if...but if the Texans can find a real run game, this changes my entire outlook. And not one run for 25 and the next 12 runs equal 25 total. Yes...there is always a few times where the D gets a guy for almost no gain or small loss. But overall, a fairly consistent 3-7 yards with a few that pop for 8-15. And limit penalties of course. All of this will help to keep the team in more 3rd and short then 3rd and long, which has been a huge issue all year.

Play keep away and keep the D fresh while grinding out some longer drives. Get the new kid Diontae involved to take some heat off of Nico. I expect a lot of cover two shell to limit the big plays. You can try a couple bombs but mostly don't fight it - work with it. Get Mixon the ball through the air in space on swing passes. He's good at that. Work both Nico and Diontae on slants, quick outs, come back routes, etc, and MAYBE even try a WR screen or two, but if it doesn't work...abandon ship. And while I'm disappointed in Dalton, he can get open in shorter areas occasionally, so he should be a factor underneath, too.

If necessary, try some trickeration on offense or ST. Do something ballsy like a fake punt again. That one they did a few weeks ago was brilliant. And a big play of some kind on ST would be icing on the cake.

Lastly, Herbert has been exceptional at not turning the ball over. 3 picks in 17 games is super elite. Give me one interception to turn the game. Come on 24, I know you can do it!

If all/much of the above happens, we flip the script. Texans 24 - Chargers 13.

Chances are...it's between those two visions and a close game that comes down to a kick.
 
Porky said:
If...huge if...but if the Texans can find a real run game, this changes my entire outlook. And not one run for 25 and the next 12 runs equal 25 total.
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Porky said:
Get Mixon the ball through the air in space on swing passes. He's good at that.
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I think expanding the horizontal game will be as important as running the football. We're simply not good enough to pound the rock down anyone's throat. In running situations we have to be just as apt to throw a quick short pass, to someone coming out of the backfield, a RB/TE screen. Which means a lot less running on 1st down. Break up the predictability.
Porky said:
And while I'm disappointed in Dalton, he can get open in shorter areas occasionally, so he should be a factor underneath, too.
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He's a big body with strong hands. Shouldn't have to get too open. But Cj doesn't trust him anymore, & I don't blame him.
Porky said:
Lastly, Herbert has been exceptional at not turning the ball over. 3 picks in 17 games is super elite.
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Mahomes had like 4 INTs up until he played the Texans. He had 7 when the game was over.

If, & it's not that big of an if, our defense can affect Herbert they way they affected Allen, Goff, Mahomes it's going to be a long day for the San Diego Chargers.
 
Porky said:
It's a pick-em game to me, but probably slight edge Chargers.

Chargers strengths match our weaknesses. That's the biggest issue I have.

Chargers number one scoring defense, only allowing 17.5/game, and one of the very top red zone defenses as well.

Both numbers play into where the Texans are weakest.

Chargers also have the advantage in coaching and in the quarterback area - two things I always look at in any playoff match-up.

The Texans D can hang with the Chargers early. Not having Pitre or at least Ward is a major issue, but I trust DeMeco to have something cooked up to at least keep McConkey from being a game wrecker. He'll get a few; just keep everything in front of you.

But if the offense cannot sustain drives and put some legitimate points on the board by the second half, expect the Texans' D to start wearing down and the Chargers' run game to start to take over.

That's the half-glass empty view. Chargers 24, Texans 13.

Half glass full?

Ok, I hate to heap praise on the offensive line, but the line played a legitimately good game against the Tits. Yes, the same Tits who had nothing to play for, but they have Simmons and that big hoss in the middle and the line consistently paved the way for good runs. This new line configuration worked imho. In my mind the biggest key to this game for a Texans win is their run game. If...huge if...but if the Texans can find a real run game, this changes my entire outlook. And not one run for 25 and the next 12 runs equal 25 total. Yes...there is always a few times where the D gets a guy for almost no gain or small loss. But overall, a fairly consistent 3-7 yards with a few that pop for 8-15. And limit penalties of course. All of this will help to keep the team in more 3rd and short then 3rd and long, which has been a huge issue all year.

Play keep away and keep the D fresh while grinding out some longer drives. Get the new kid Diontae involved to take some heat off of Nico. I expect a lot of cover two shell to limit the big plays. You can try a couple bombs but mostly don't fight it - work with it. Get Mixon the ball through the air in space on swing passes. He's good at that. Work both Nico and Diontae on slants, quick outs, come back routes, etc, and MAYBE even try a WR screen or two, but if it doesn't work...abandon ship. And while I'm disappointed in Dalton, he can get open in shorter areas occasionally, so he should be a factor underneath, too.

If necessary, try some trickeration on offense or ST. Do something ballsy like a fake punt again. That one they did a few weeks ago was brilliant. And a big play of some kind on ST would be icing on the cake.

Lastly, Herbert has been exceptional at not turning the ball over. 3 picks in 17 games is super elite. Give me one interception to turn the game. Come on 24, I know you can do it!

If all/much of the above happens, we flip the script. Texans 24 - Chargers 13.

Chances are...it's between those two visions and a close game that comes down to a kick.
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Half-full vs half-empty. You are a real diplomat Porky.
I'm definitely not feeling it for this game, but if somehow we get the version of the Texans that played the Chiefs pretty tough in the first half of their game in Arrowhead before little Tank got injured, then we got a shot Saturday, a good shot.
I'm just afraid we are going to see the Christmas day version of the Texans which was so ugly, and so painful, but of course the Chargers are not
the Ravens so hopefully your half-full version can prevail Porky !
Go Texans !
 
thunderkyss said:
I think expanding the horizontal game will be as important as running the football. We're simply not good enough to pound the rock down anyone's throat. In running situations we have to be just as apt to throw a quick short pass, to someone coming out of the backfield, a RB/TE screen. Which means a lot less running on 1st down. Break up the predictability.

He's a big body with strong hands. Shouldn't have to get too open. But Cj doesn't trust him anymore, & I don't blame him.

Mahomes had like 4 INTs up until he played the Texans. He had 7 when the game was over.

If, & it's not that big of an if, our defense can affect Herbert they way they affected Allen, Goff, Mahomes it's going to be a long day for the San Diego Chargers.
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I'd use the short passing game as an extension of the running game, but I'd pound the rock if it's working even close to what it did against the Titans. Again...big if. If it's not working...then you're relying even heavier on the pass game. That's been a losing formula all year. When this team runs the rock for 100+, they've consistently won games. When it's been a bad day at the office...they have lost. It's not rocket science...yes mix in the short passes as mentioned, but if they want to win, that run game HAS to be at least halfway decent or they have very little chance to win.
 
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