We don't know what's going to happen in these final eight games. Yes, the schedule doesn't appear to be as daunting as it did for the first nine outings but if the Texans continue to make the kind of mistakes they did against Miami, winning any game will be difficult.
The off-week might be beneficial for some rest and reflection by all parties. The team has played hard but it hasn't been enough. Too many turnovers, penalties, three-and-outs and missed opportunities have plagued this squad on the way to a 1-8 record.
Of course, there's room for improvement. But what about the potential for some upsets? The Texans have the ingredients, and despite what happened previously, we'll all get a chance to see what they can do to get moving in the right direction.
We just saw the Jaguars beat the Bills in a game in which they only scored nine points. We've seen the Jets upset the Titans, who are now red-hot, and the Bengals when they showed up with the number one seed. Even one less penalty or turnover in the Miami game could have made a huge difference for Houston.
The offense hasn't been able to sustain drives and getting into the end zone has been a huge challenge. Tyrod Taylor looked sharp in the first game and a half but he and the offense collectively looked out of rhythm, out of sync and unable to deal with the Miami pass rush in the last game.
Get ready. Because teams watch video and they'll continue to do the things that thwarted the Houston threats last weekend.
The Texans watch video too though. And the staff is spending a good part of this week coming up with ways to combat what defenses have been dealing to them. Some of that, combined with improved rhythm from Taylor, now that his return game is under his belt, could result in better production in the coming weeks.
Taylor was like a pitcher 'not having his best stuff.' He threw three interceptions which is half of what he's ever thrown in a full season as a starter. He only had three picks once before in his career, and that was in his second start ever, against New England. It's a safe bet to say he can get back on track to being his ball-protecting, play-making self.
It all starts with a date at Tennessee a week from Sunday. There's nothing like a date with a division leader to sharpen the senses and get the juices flowing. The Titans have become the team to beat in the AFC South and it'll take everything the Texans can assemble with their extra homework time to put together an upset bid.
The next time you can see the Texans at NRG Stadium will be on November 28 as they host the New York Jets in Week 12. Kickoff is set for noon CT. Click here for tickets.
