Week 4 – Texans v.s. Seahawks: Preview And Predictions

Sure the Texans stand at 2-1 but Texans fans aren’t happy with the way the Texans have been playing. Two come from behind wins and a terrible performance against the Ravens have Texans fans wondering if this is another year of a short playoff stint. Today brings one of the best teams in the NFL and a potential Super Bowl preview. Here is my preview and predictions for today’s game.

Game Information

12:00 PM CT, September 29, 2013

Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

FOX

You can stream the game live at NFL.com Live Stream.

THE OFFENSE

Conservative. That one word sums up what we saw from the offense in week 3. That will need to change today when the Seahawks come to town. To open up the pass, the Texans will need to get the run game going early. Duane Brown is a game-time decision and he would be a real plus if he was ready to go. The Texans average 129 yards per game on the ground and those numbers will be put up to the test of the ferocious front-seven of the Seahawks. The Seahawks have allowed just 95 yards per game on the ground and if the Texans can’t find success running the football, it could mean a long day for Texans fans.

When you think of the Seahawks defense, the first name that comes to mind is Richard Sherman. If not the best, Sherman is easily a top three cornerback in the game. Sherman will likely be lined up with Andre Johnson throughout the game. Though he’s one of the best in the game, Sherman is beatable if you try and beat him over the top. Johnson may be 32 and a bit banged up with a shin bruise, but he’s the best receiver on the team and capable of getting a ball in the air. Matt Schaub will have to be at his best today if he plans on airing it out over Sherman and Bobbie Browner.

THE DEFENSE

Though their aren’t many sexy names, the Seahawks are loaded with talent on the offensive side. Russell Wilson has proven his naysayers wrong and has continued his strong quarterback play. Wilson is coming off a four-TD performance in two and a half quarters against the Jaguars and the Texans defense will need to be ready to face the mobile quarterback.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks are without three starters on the offensive line and the Texans will need to take advantage of this fact. J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith will be counted on to provide a consistent pass rush in the middle and the combination of Whitney Mercilus and Brooks Reed will need to keep containment on the outside. Marshawn Lynch hasn’t had a huge game this year but the Texans need to be ready. Lynch is a very physical runner and the Texans need to wrap up and finish their tackles or else Lynch will break free for extra yards. The Texans defense has just eight sacks on the season and that number should rise with the banged up Seahawks offensive line.

Both Texans cornerbacks are questionable but both are expected to start today. Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson will likely cover both Sidney Rice and Golden Tate. Brice McCain who has been pretty bad in coverage this season will also be used today as the Seahawks also throw to Doug Baldwin. Whichever receiver lines up with McCain will likely see the majority of the targets. It could be a long day for the secondary if the Texans can’t find a consistent pass rush.

THE PREDICTIONS

Score: Texans – 17 Seahawks – 24

• Texans have four sacks and force one turnover
• Running game combines for 150 yards and a score
• Matt Schaub connects with Garrett Graham for his lone TD
• Randy Bullock connects from 43 yards out
• Seahawks get to Schaub for six sacks and force an interception

What do you think Texans fans? Sound off in the comments below or tweet me @YoniPollak.