Week 14 – THE BRIDGEWATER BOWL: Texans’ Game Breakdown

Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans lost (won?) their week 14 match-up against the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-27 last night at EverBank Field in Florida. This is the Texans’ 11th straight loss, extending a franchise record.

At least the Texans made it an interesting last hurrah. This was the most confusing game I’ve watched all year. I’ve never in my life experienced a game like that where my emotions had no idea what to do with themselves.

The play in the first half was so abysmal it was like watching a train wrecking into an already existing train wreck. D. J. Swearinger was committing penalty after penalty as if he had snorted some Pixy Stix and was back in high school. Case Keenum was completely deer-in-headlights save for the single scoring drive. The defense was giving up HUGE plays to Chad Henne and his receiving core. It was an abomination.

Then, just when you think you’ve accepted the inevitable and are surprisingly okay with it? Matt MFing Schaub. With a beard. Late in the 3rd quarter, Matt Schaub replaced Case Keenum and began shredding the Jaguars defense to the tune of 17/29 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown. He even SCRAMBLED for crying out loud. All of a sudden we’re within 4 points and have a chance to score. I didn’t know whether allow my jaw to drop to the floor or cry… or both. Fortunately I didn’t have to make that choice, and Schaub decided to return to his old self and threw an interception to end the game.

If you’re just absolutely disgusted at the thought of even remotely finding joy in a loss, take comfort in the fact that there are still a few aspects of this team to get your weekly jollies from. I know I’m a broken record here, but GOD, J. J. Watt is so damn good. I mean don’t get me wrong Andre Johnson is right there with him (13 rec, 150 yds., 11.8 ypc), but there’s just something about this guy. He didn’t have his greatest game, as he ended with just 3 tackles, 1 pass defended and 3 QB hits. But despite our 10 game losing streak, he’s still out there plowing over double and triple coverage, getting pressure on the QB and playing hard every down.

You’ll have to forgive me if I gush a little bit, but I’ve been in football-love with Watt since Central Michigan. The dude is one of, if not the only entertaining aspect of this team anymore. He’s a monster, and I thank the football gods every day that he’s still under contract for at least another two years (assuming the Texans give him written notice that they’re exercising his 5th year option after the final game of this season but before May 3 of next year).

Despite the (very few) exciting players on our team, I can’t hide it, y’all. This was the most satisfying loss of the year. Do I want to actually root for a Texans loss? No. But I’m not going to mourn this one the way I have the others. If anything I was actually getting angered by their better play in the second half.  Resentful that they waited until rock bottom to try and pull off some seemingly impressive come-from-behind win. But alas, the Texans’ season is officially over and we can all finally move on from that.  We can let go of all the anger and frustration that this season has wrought. We can start focusing on next season. More importantly, the sure-to-be eyebrow raising off-season and draft that is to come.

And with that let the “with-the-first-pick-in-the-2014-NFL-Draft,-the-Houston-Texans-select…” talk begin. Hang on tight, Texans fans. It’s gonna be a crazy off-season.

Follow me on Twitter: @Blairsker

Catch House of Houston on Twitter: @HouseOfHouston