Skip to main content
Advertising

Vandermeer's View: Rolling into the Rockies

Nov 03, 2018 at 12:56 PM
Author Image
Marc Vandermeer

Voice of the Houston Texans

To continue their winning streak, the Texans must find a way to knock off a Denver team in one of the toughest environments in sports.

That's right, in all of sports!! Since Pat Bowlen bought the team in year two of the Elway era (1984), the Broncos have the 4th best winning percentage in all of American sports. And that's home AND road. At 'Mile High', they have the best record in the league over that span. And Sunday will be their 400th consecutive sellout, an NFL record.

This Broncos team is not to be confused with Elway's (oh, wait a minute. It IS Elway's team. But you knew what I meant.) or Peyton Manning's or even Jake Plummer's bunch that hosted an AFC Championship game in 2005. But they do have some things going for them that will make this a very tough hurdle for your Texans on their way into the bye.

Don't be fooled by a team's record. No one is calling the Broncos Super Bowl contenders. But a close look at their schedule reveals close losses at Kansas City and to the Rams at home. They beat Seattle opening day. The biggest blemish was a lopsided loss at the Jets.

Denver leads the NFL in yards per carry at 5.3. They will try to do what the five teams the Texans have beaten in the streak had trouble with; run the ball well. Denver has the tools to do it, too. And if they start getting some daylight with the ground game, that'll make Case Keenum that much more effective.

And guess what? The Texans want to do exactly the same thing. They've been running it better. And Deshaun Watson has only had to throw the ball 44 times, combined, in the last two games. Bill O'Brien will take that formula every Sunday. That is, as long as he's not seeing his QB sacked (not for the last seven quarters) or turning the ball over (clean, the last two games).

A big key to all this is the improvement of Houston's defense. Somehow the Texans must weather the storm with the injuries at cornerback and inside linebacker. If they manage to keep the good times rolling through Sunday, help is on the way after the bye.

Every week is huge in the NFL. This is why we love it. This game has more storylines than a Netflix series. Keenum plays against his former employer, Demaryius Thomas plays against his. Gary Kubiak still works in Denver. One of his sons is on the staff. The Texans are looking to become the first team since the merger to win six straight after an 0-3 start.

A loss will hardly shakedown the season. Houston will still be in first in the division no matter what happens Sunday. But a win keeps the pedal to the metal and keeps pace on the heels of the AFC leaders.

It's another big turn in the road and we're all eager to see how the squad handles it.

Bull's Eye: Best shots from Week 2

Check out the best Week 2 images from Texans team photographer Zach Tarrant. Presented by Houston Methodist.

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
1 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

button_BullsEye_Methodist
2 / 67
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
3 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
4 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
5 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
6 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
7 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

Zachary Scott Tarrant ZacharyTarrant.com
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
8 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
9 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
10 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

Zachary Scott Tarrant ZacharyTarrant.com
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
11 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
12 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

Zachary Scott Tarrant ZacharyTarrant.com
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
13 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
14 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

Zachary Scott Tarrant ZacharyTarrant.com
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
15 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

Zachary Scott Tarrant ZacharyTarrant.com
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
16 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
17 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

Zachary Scott Tarrant ZacharyTarrant.com
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
18 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
19 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
20 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
21 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
22 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
23 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
24 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
25 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
26 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
27 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
28 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
29 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
30 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
31 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
32 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
33 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
34 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
35 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
36 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
37 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
38 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
39 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
40 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
41 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
42 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
43 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
44 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
45 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
46 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
47 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
48 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
49 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
50 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
51 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
52 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
53 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
54 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
55 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
56 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
57 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
58 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
59 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
60 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
61 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
62 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
63 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
64 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
65 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
66 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT/HOUSTON TEXANS
An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.
67 / 67

An image from the Sept. 16, 2018 regular season away game against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans lost 17-20.

ZACH TARRANT
Advertising
This Ad will close in 3

Related Content

news

VanderBlog: Texans Win Duval Drama

Marc Vandermeer is exhaling along with the rest of us as the Texans finally hit the long-awaited bye week. It wasn't easy getting the win in Jacksonville, but it sets up an exciting sprint to the finish after a breather.
news

VanderBlog: Next Week Starts Now

The loss to the Titans was like making Thanksgiving dinner and overcooking the Turkey - It didn't go down easy but you have to take it, move on and make a better meal next time.
news

VanderBlog: Outstanding in Arlington

Monday night, the Texans took the drama right out of the script by holding the Cowboys scoreless after the break. This was the second half they'd been looking for. 
news

Vanderblog: Missed opportunity, now on to Dallas   

The Texans can't dwell. And they certainly need to correct their mistakes. But the really important games, the ones that will ultimately define 2024, have yet to be played.
news

Vanderblog: Texans Fall, Gear Up for Detroit 

Thursday's loss to the Jets meant the Texans moved across the halfway point of the season with a 6-3 record, still leading the division with all sorts of wonderful possibilities ahead of them.But record and standings aside, they know they need to flat-out play better to get to where they want to go.
news

Vanderblog: H-Town Over the Horseshoe

Fans certainly get their money's worth at Texans home games. Houston is undefeated at NRG stadium and all the games have gone down to the wire.
news

Vanderblog: Focus is on Colts after last second loss in Green Bay

Now we get back into the AFC South. The Colts have manufactured their way into a 4-3 record. Anthony Richardson is back. Sole possession of first place is on the line.
news

Fun In Foxboro | Vanderblog

The Texans got their first-ever win in Gillette Stadium on Sunday, and Marc Vandermeer pulled some key storylines out of a strong performance.
news

H-Town Buzzer Beater | Vanderblog

So many Texans stepped up big against the Bills, but with the clock running down, it was Ka'imi Fairbairn who finished things off as time expired.
news

Division Drama in H-Town | Vanderblog

All week long, on Texans All Access, John Harris and I have been telling you that this one was likely going down to the wire. Yes, the Texans made life harder than it had to be, but this is the NFL, where nothing seems to ever come easy.
news

Bounce Back Needed | Vanderblog

A look around the league puts things in perspective after a tough loss. The NFL is truly a week-to-week thing. This outing must be analyzed, improved upon and forgotten as an all-important AFC South showdown awaits.
news

Two and 'Oh My' | Vanderblog

Ka'imi Fairbairn has connected on seven out of seven field goal tries, including six from 50 yards or beyond. He's the first kicker in NFL history to have five or more field goals from 50+ in the first two games.
Advertising