Houston Texans Vs. Cleveland Browns: What To Look For

The Houston Texans have just completed their long-awaited bye week to rest and recuperate from the bangs-and-bruises of the rigorous NFL schedule.

It was as if this past week couldn’t have come soon enough for the Texans as they seemed to stumble their way into it instead of gallantly transitioning their way in.

It was quite a competitive match that the Texans had against the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago.

But players were unfortunately dropping from each team like flies as the game progressed.

Kareem Jackson, Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph even former Texan DeMeco Ryans were all casualties from last week’s game.

Ryans is now out for the season as a result of an injury to his Achilles’ tendon.

Could it be the alleged holes in the playing surface at NRG Stadium?

It’s anyone’s guess — the league has to look into this…and fast!

There were too many injuries all happening at once — quite peculiar.

The field was in use the night before in the Battle of the Piney Woods — an annual match up of the football programs of Stephen F. Austin University and Sam Houston State University.

There may not be much done this season but I think something will be by next season.

The Texans are getting too much bad press as a result.

Anyway, the Texans luckily get an opportunity to play on some heavily-manicured Kentucky bluegrass as they take on the Cleveland Browns tomorrow.

The 6-3 Browns are a quality football team that is finding creative ways to win games.

Despite the numerous amount of talent on the roster that’s not in the lineup, they’ve pressed forward with their “next man up” mentality that has seemed to bode well for them.

Here’s some things to look for as both teams take the field:

Nov 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback

Brian Hoyer

(6) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK: In news that sent shock waves across the NFL as well as Texans Nation, Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans have decided to make a switch under center. Ryan Mallett is the new starting quarterback for the team. A QB with a incredible arm and height with a immense amount of potential, we’re going to see what he has on the table. The Browns will make sure to put the pressure on Mallett to see how he responds if his pocket of protection fails. He does have a quick release at his arsenal so the Browns will be careful not to bet their entire hand in blitzing Mallett or they could get burnt. Mallett, 26, acquired by the Texans earlier in the season via trade has only appeared in five NFL games after primarily riding the pine behind Tom Brady with the Patriots, his former team that drafted him. In college, he passed for about 7,500 yards and 62 touchdowns for Arkansas. Those numbers are alone are quite impressive for what could be in store. Is he the answer? Take a look at what I wrote about him here. The Browns are ranked 12th in the pass rush — 232 yards per game — largely because of the aggressive play of Tashaun Gipson, who is hoping to be cleared to play tomorrow after suffering a concussion. He has already said that he’ll make Mallett “pay for it” in his first NFL start. When many would’ve thought Johnny Manziel would be starting by now, Brian Hoyer is definitely poised to be the Browns’ starter moving forward. He’s definitely a reason why they’ve been winning football games. He has passed for nearly 2,200 yards this season for a 58.5 completion percentage, throwing 10 touchdowns to four interceptions. Not too shabby. Hoyer and Mallett also have a history together dating back to the 2011 season — Mallett’s rookie year — as they both were the quarterbacks relegated to backing up Tom Brady. It will be a reunion of sorts to see these two battle against each other as they’ve fought their own personal battle to be starting quarterbacks. We will see Manziel but he’ll be holding the clipboard this game as he patiently waits for his opportunity.

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back

Ben Tate

(44) tries to turn the corner on the Oakland Raiders defensive back

Brandian Ross

(29) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK: Arian Foster is expected to be out for tomorrow’s game as he is still suffering from a hamstring injury that he sustained against the Eagles two weeks ago. That means the next man up! Alfred Blue is more than capable than handling the duties and Jonathan Grimes will be available to help as well. Blue will see the most action since Week 4 against the New York Giants. I expect it to be a good game for Texans on the ground as the Browns’ defensive line is horrid at stopping the run. They’re currently ranked 28th, giving up about 134 yards a game. So the plan should be simple for the Texans — run that football! The Texans aren’t that much better either but have made some strides to improve — elevating to 21st, giving up about 117 yards per game. Keep your eyes on former Texan Ben Tate as he has come on strong since being injured earlier in the season to be a threat on the ground for the Browns. The tough-as-nails back will certainly be able to deftly find his way through holes — let’s hope his gains are short and ineffective. Tate has 342 yards off 104 carries and four touchdowns appearing in seven games, starting six.

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver

DeAndre Hopkins

(10) catches a touchdown pass during the game against Philadelphia Eagles free safety

Earl Wolff

(28) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVER: With as taught as the Browns’ pass rush is, it’s going to be a challenge for Mallett to get the ball to our receivers. I don’t see a breakout game for any of our wide outs in Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins and Demaris Johnson. It will be a matter of what plays are ran and who’s open. They might just have to settle for screen passes for short gains until Mallett gets things figured out — it may be sooner than later. Andrew Hawkins and Travis Benjamin are Hoyer’s top targets at wide receiver with Josh Gordon out serving his suspension — they shouldn’t be too much of a factor but can be if they don’t defend appropriately. The Texans are 29th in the pass rush, giving up 274 yards a game. Let’s not let these guys embarrass this team — this is what I’m worried about the Texans slacking within that category.

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end

J.J. Watt

(99) celebrates with outside linebacker

Whitney Mercilus

(59) during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSE (FRONT 7 & SECONDARY): The Texans’ secondary just sustained a huge loss for the next couple of weeks as Kareem Jackson is on the mend from a knee injury he sustained against the Eagles. He was one of the Texans’ most visible and reliable defenders in the backfield and will be sorely missed. A.J. Bouye will fill his spot while he’s out — let’s hope he steps it up! He has some big shoes to fill! Darryl Morris is finally ready to go tomorrow after suffering an ankle injury for the past weeks. His talents will be needed — remember, he had the game-winning pick on EJ Manuel during Week 4’s match up against the Buffalo Bills. The Texans defeated the Bills 23-17. I need to see more out of Andre Hal! I’m tired of seeing week-after-week of this dude getting burnt on coverage. Teams have started to pick up on this and seem to throw the ball toward wherever he is at. Crank it up Andre! I thought Johnathan Joseph would be iffy this week after suffering a concussion and dealing with lingering knee injury but he is probable for tomorrow. Expect J.J. Watt to be awesome as usual — he’ll get to Hoyer as the Browns’ offensive line is vulnerable. He has been sacked 13 times so far this season. Brian Cushing and Jadeveon Clowney are probable and will provide a badly-needed shot in the arm on the front line. Whitney Mercilus was outstanding in his nine tackle, two-sack performance against the Eagles. Let’s hope he keeps the intensity up! They seem to both feel good and are ready to play. Watch out for Gipson at corner who expects to play tomorrow and will be licking his chops. Nose tackle Phil Taylor is out for the season with injury to knee requiring surgery. Veteran defensive back Ahtyba Rubin has been tapped to start at the nose.