Battle Red Blog
Which position(s) would put the Texans over the top?
The Houston Texans are in prime position to make a trade. They combine two of the necessarily elements to benefit from a midseason deal in the NFL. First, they are in first place and likely to be there for the duration of the season. When you are already a playoff team, it becomes that much more tempting to make those one or two moves that could push you over the top.
Secondly, you have definite needs. Even the Kansas City Chiefs are making moves and they are undefeated. It is about pushing in your chips and going for it when the opportunity is there. Rather than focus on specific players as I did in a previous piece, I am going to highlight the positions of need in order of desperation.
I really hate to say this. Sometimes fate intervenes on your behalf and forces you to do something you don’t seem willing to do. I don’t know why it took until game eight to pull Kenyon Green the first time. All evidence was there after a solid week one that this guy was the worst guard in football. It hasn’t been particularly close between weeks two and seven and week eight was even worse.
I think the Texans would be content to go with Jarrett Patterson there knowing they have Kendrick Green as insurance, but with Patterson out they have to act. Green going down with the shoulder injury almost saved the game last night and could save the season if the Texans strike before Tuesday.
We’ve seen this all before. In 2022, Green and whoever played center were so bad that it brought everyone’s play down. A simply league average guard at left guard would likely make this a league average offensive line. The Cleveland Browns have allowed 37 sacks. The Texans are second with 31. The New England Patriots need to surrender four this Sunday to tie them for second. That is legitimately awful. I think everyone would take league average offensive line play at this point.
When one looks at protection issues, one has to look at things holistically. It can’t be JUST about the offensive line being terrible. Sometimes the quarterback makes slow reads and holds onto the ball too long. Sometimes the quarterback holds onto the ball too long because the receivers aren’t getting open. Losing Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs helped create the situation on Thursday night. Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie just don’t create separation. Sure, the Jets might have better corners than most teams, but neither of these guys has shown you anything consistently to make you believe they can be a starting quality receiver in the NFL.
Nico Collins is coming back eventually, but this team needs a third wide receiver that can consistently be a threat. Robert Woods is good for a catch or two per...
