Special Preview- Week 16
Houston Texans at Philadelphia Eagles
Texans: I wasn’t impressed with them after their game on Saturday against the Jets because they had chance after chance to really blow that game open, but they let the Jets back into the contest and only won the game by seven points. What really concerned me was the Jets pass rush against the Texans offensive line which allowed six sacks. They did bounce back after the loss in week 14 to the Colts, but in their last two games, the Texans have struggled to run the ball which was something that kept them afloat during their impressive nine-game winning streak. They had such a punishing ground game until they hit the wall against the Colts (89 yards, 3.6 per carry) and the Jets (47 yards, 2.8 per carry). Overall, this has been one of the better Texans teams I’ve seen in the last few seasons. They seemed to be so locked in and focused which is accredited to coaching. Having a healthy Deshaun Watson also helps and just imagine what would’ve happened if he hadn’t been injured last season. The defense has also played well and can take over games on their own. When everything is going well for them, this is a tough team to beat. The one thing that maybe difficult to believe is that when the season started, they began the year 0-3. This is the biggest game in franchise history for this team. With a win, they will clinch their fifth division title in eight seasons and could be in line to clinch a first-round bye in the AFC.
Eagles: They live to see another day! I was absolutely devastated for Carson Wentz when the news came out about his back. However, I wasn’t concerned about the quarterback replacement because they have a guy who knows the ins and outs of Doug Pederson’s system, he’s back again folks. Remember Nick Foles? The hero from last season who stepped in and helped lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. He got things started last year in Los Angeles against the Rams and one year later, he gets a start on the road against these same Rams (it must be something about Los Angeles). Now, the defending champs are 7-7 with two games remaining. The division title is still obtainable, especially with the Cowboys dropping a game last week on the road in Indianapolis. Last Sunday night in California was the quickest I’ve seen the Eagles offense move down the field. They finally had their running game going which always helps, Foles threw two picks along with one interception and helped lead the Eagles to 30 points, only their second time this year they’ve reached this plateau. Their defense also stepped up big time and kept a Rams offense in check for most of the game. One game down, two games to go at this point. They will need to bring their a-game on Sunday with Houston coming to town.
Texans Player To Watch: D’Onta Foreman– They need a jolt to revive their running game and this may be the guy to bring it. Lamar Miller is bothered with an ankle injury. Foreman needs to provide that offensive balance.
Eagles Player To Watch: Brandon Graham– He’s the longest-tenured member of the Eagles defense. This guy is always making plays. There have been times when I’ve seen him get to the backfield untouched. He’ll be counted on to help keep Watson in the pocket.
Final Analysis: This is a huge game for both teams. I already have a feeling that Lincoln Financial Field will be rocking for this game. The Eagles secondary better be ready for Deandre Hopkins on Sunday. He’s going to get his and I see the Texans attacking the Eagles secondary early on. The Texans are great when it comes to forcing turnovers. If I’m the Eagles, I’m controlling the line of scrimmage and doing everything I can to keep moving the ball down the field. They need to score each time an opportunity presents itself.
Prediction: Eagles 30 Texans 27
