Texans at Patriots: Is it a Given?
When Dylan asked me to write a column on this game, I was
hesitant due to this game’s OBVIOUS turn out. It’s so obvious, in fact, that it
doesn’t even seem worth writing about. Why do we need to talk about the
foregone conclusion of a Patriots victory? Then games happened last night, and
my view of football got turned on its head. I went 0-2 yesterday, all but
ending my post-season hopes of snagging some quick cash. In fact, I’m watching
the Seahawks-Falcons game, and I am wondering if I will, in fact, go 0-4 this
week. This brings me to my point: This isn’t the regular season; it’s the
PLAYOFFS! PLAYOFFS?! Don’t talk to me about PLAYOFFS!
Yesterday has reminded me that NOTHING is set in stone in
the NFL, especially in the playoffs. So now, I re-examine this match-up, and I
question the obviousness of this result. Don’t get me wrong, my Texanness will
be pulling like no other for the Texans. However, for the sake of my pick
league, I’ve got to hope that the Patriots win. Everything in me says this will
be an easy win for the Patriots. Of course, everything in me said that the
Broncos and Packers would roll, too. I mean, let’s look at the key matchups:
Matt Schaub vs. Tom Brady
Is this even a question? How on earth is this supposed to be
close? Brady, arguably 1, 2, or 3 on your top 3 quarterbacks charts, vs.
Schaub, who had his first start and win last week. I mean, I guess Schaub has a
better percentage right now, but that’s about it.
Arian Foster vs. Stevan Ridley
No offense to Mr. Ridley, who is a beast, but Arian Foster
has this matchup. By virtue of going to LSU, I like Ridley a little more than
another player of his status by bias. However, when the game is on the line,
I’d put my money on Foster.
Andre Johnson vs Wes Welker
Now THIS matchup is like comparing apples to hand grenades.
One is a healthy treat that is fun to eat, and it keeps you healthy on the
inside so you don’t get sick as often. The other explodes and keeps you healthy
by not letting the enemy have a chance to get near you. You see, Wes Welker is
the apple. Everyone talks about how he helps Brady be so methodical and on
track. Wes Welker is a scrappy player that routinely makes good plays and
occasionally makes huge plays. Just like an apple. Andre Johnson is the hand
grenade. Everyone wants one because of the big explosion that happens when you
throw one, but they are rarer to attain than apples. So, now that I’ve gone off
the deep end and you think I’m crazy, which do you think I’m gonna pick?
Honestly, it all depends on the QB. You see, I would argue that, while as a
pure receiver, Johnson clearly has the advantage, Welker is used so effectively
that it ultimately comes out in a wash.
Texans’ D vs Patriots’ D
If you go by stats, the Patriots have no chance. The
Patriots are 29th in passing yards allowed, allowing nearly 50 more
yards per game than the Texans. Rushing yards allowed is fairly equal with the
Patriots allowing only 4 more yards per game. They allowed the exact same
amount of points overall this past season, but we’ll see what happens when the
Texans face a Patriots offense that scored 141 points more than them, which is
an average of nearly 9 points more per game.
Gary Kubiak vs. Bill Belichick
This matchup always goes to the one with the most positive
experience. This definitely goes to the hoodie-wearin’, frownin’, ugly, grumpy,
old Belichick. He is one of the best to ever coach.
So, these matchups tell me that I’m right in picking the
Patriots, but there is this thing in the back of my head saying: “NO!!!! IT’S A
TRAP!!!!” Regardless of the outcome of this and the other games, I cannot deny that
this is a post-season that has not disappointed.
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