By Jay Betsill
Game Info
Sunday – October 13 – Noon
TV: FOX
Reliant Stadium – Houston
The Houston Texans (2-3) have lost three in a row after winning in Weeks 1 and 2, both victories in dramatic comeback fashion that occurred on the final play of the game. In the process, quarterback Matt Schaub became the first player in NFL history to throw interceptions that were returned for scores in four consecutive games. His performance in the 34-3 loss against the 49ers had him on the bench in the fourth quarter with backup T.J. Yates getting the action.
“I need to be better and I’ll be the first to admit that, so I can understand why he was torn in that decision,” Schaub said. “But I have confidence in my abilities and him deciding to start me this week, let’s go play ball.”
After the loss in San Francisco, head coach Gary Kubiak said Schaub was still the starter and reiterated his stance during the week.
“We talked to him about my process and what I go through to look at things so he understands where I’m coming from,” Kubiak said. “We had a good meeting. I told him what I’m going to do and we moved forward.”
More crazy news for Schaub came in a report from CBS Houston saying Tuesday night indicated that a fan “berated” Schaub, while another “took pictures of his family.” NFL Security is reportedly going to investigate the matter.
Following last week’s loss, the Texans placed tight end Owen Daniels on injured reserve with the designation to return, meaning he will miss at least the next eight weeks, as reported by ESPN‘s Adam Schefter. Daniels is second on the Texans with 24 catches and tied for the team lead with three touchdowns.
Up next for Houston is a home contest against the St. Louis Rams (2-3). The Rams vs. Texans all-time series is tied at 1-1 and both teams are looking to get back to .500 this Sunday at Reliant Stadium. After totaling 18 points the previous two weeks against Dallas and San Francisco, St. Louis snapped a three-game skid with a 34-20 win over the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars. St. Louis’ Sam Bradford has been sacked 13 times and completed only 54.5 percent of his passes over the past three games, but he also has five touchdowns and one interception in that same time frame.
Since this game will decide who falls out of the playoff race before the midpoint of the season, look for a strong outing from the Texans, led by running backs Arian Foster and Ben Tate.
