Sunday is the very first Founder's Day, as Bob McNair will go into the Ring of Honor exactly 20 years after Houston was awarded the NFL's 32nd franchise. The fact that the vote took place in Atlanta is a wonderful coincidence.
The other thing that jumps out to me about this matchup is that the home team has won the first four meetings. The Texans beat Michael Vick and the Falcons here in 2003 and T.J. Yates won his first start against them in 2011.
Yates creates an interesting footnote as he was traded to Atlanta in 2014 for Akeem Dent, then returned in 2015 to help Houston win a division title. He and Dent are now assistant coaches here.
Matt Schaub is the backup in Atlanta, where he began his career as the understudy to Vick. Limited action off the bench earned him a trade here in 2007 when he helped transform the Texans into one of the NFL's best offenses. Schaub led the league in passing yards in 2009 and was the Pro Bowl MVP.
He's been back in the building as the backup in Super Bowl 51. But this time he's here facing his former team. Although 2013 was a big disappointment for all involved, Schaub should be remembered for being a huge part of Houston's first winning season and playoff seasons. He also did great work in the community.
These teams are very hungry for this one and ultra eager to get their offenses revved up. The Falcons and Texans were both held to 10 points in their own buildings this past Sunday. But they both have plenty of firepower to light up the scoreboard. The action starts at noon on Sunday.
