Battle Red Blog
The city of Houston hasn’t seen a snap of Texans football since their 44-10 manhandling of the Baltimore Ravens way back on October 5. Since then, the Colts have roared to 6-1, the Jaguars are turning into pumpkins and the Titans are.. well, the Titans.
With that said, the national spotlight was on Houston and Seattle tonight, as the two teams battle on Lumen Field as they each look to solidify the respective courses of their season.
For Seattle, this would arguably be the best defense that they’ve played all year. Also, a win would make them 5-2 and keep them tied for first in a hyper competitive NFC West.
For Houston, a win on the road against the Seahawks would make them 3-3 and give them a .500 or better record for the first time since week one. It would also cap off a mammoth three straight games of football where they’ve outscored their last two opponents 70-10, and potentially can take down an NFC playoff contender fresh off a bye. It would then put them only 1/2 game behind other AFC playoff hopefuls in the Jaguars, Chargers, and Chiefs.
The stakes were high and the stage was set. Stroud and the gang know that there was little margin for error. Let’s recap a late one:
Seattle dominated the Texans for what seemed like the entirety of the first quarter.
After the Texans defense held Seattle to a 3-and out on their first possession, the offense took the field looking to establish a rhythm early.
Nope. None of that here. Actually, C.J. Stroud and the offense put together one of the worst offensive quarters this side of the New York Jets.
For, in their first offensive possession, Stroud looked like he took an 18 yard safety sack after picking up only one first down. But, the officials declared him to be down by forward progress, thus saving the Texans from giving up a free 2 points to start the game.
That didn’t help much though, because after punting the ball to around mid-field, the Seahawks marched 44 yards and scored on a 1-yard Zach Charbonnet touchdown run. 7-0 Seahawks.
The scoring continued for the Seahawks, but not without some typical Texans penalty shenanigans.
Usual suspect, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty when he slammed Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold to the ground out of bounds right next to an official. *Whistle* Because, of course.
After, Darnold took advantage of the gift by firing a rocket to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for an 11-yard score and 14-0 lead.
The second quarter started off in much of the same way offensively for Houston. But, at least Seattle finally joined them in offensive futility. Both teams exchanged punts for the first three possessions collectively.
Then, a glimmer of day break shined through, as Seattle got a little cute on a WR pass trick-play in the red zone and it led to...
