Battle Red Blog
A victory, however costly, however stressful, is a victory nevertheless.
The Day After the Day After...when the raw, immediate emotions from the aftermath of a game diminish into the realm of clarity and the proverbial (or literal) hangover no longer haunts the mind. With that, a review of Week 8:
WR depth: Coming into the season, the WR room rated as the strongest overall group on the team. With Diggs, Collins and Dell at the top three slots, the quality of depth on the roster portended either a lot of happy WRs stat-wise, or some quality trade bait for the team. However, that depth might come in handy for other reasons. Houston entered the game without Nico Collins, who is out until Week 10.
Then, late in the third quarter, Stefon Diggs went out with a non-contact knee injury (MRI still pending). Dell hasn’t quite recaptured his rookie prowess, but should get plenty of chances now. Woods, Hutchinson and Metchie get the chance to show off their skills, not for future trade teams, but to keep Houston in prime playoff position. Do that, and then add Collins back into the mix, and regardless of Diggs, the team’s passing attack should force some sleepless nights for defensive coordinators.
The Astros aren’t alone struggling to close out games at home: For the second time in four home games, Houston held a one score lead deep into the fourth quarter. They leveraged their running game to milk clock and drive deep into an opponent red zone. A go-ahead TD, and the game is all but over. Then…a fumble on a running play. Last time, it was Akers against the Chicago Bears. This time, a bumbled toss between Stroud and Mixon. At least Mixon had the wherewithal to throw the Indianapolis Colts defender to the ground, preventing a nightmare scoop-and-score for Indy. Mixon might be the best closing RB in Houston Texans history, but on a goal-to-go situation, somehow the team couldn’t execute. The Most Interesting Defense in the World kept the Colts in check, but like Chicago, the final minutes need not have held THAT much drama.
Mixon’s running great, but there are other backs too: In four of five games played, Mixon rushed for over 100 yards. 25 carries for 102 yards and a TD rates as a solid day the office. However, for all other designed running plays (not counting the botched red zone snapped charged the CJ Stroud for a 10 yard loss): three carries for four yards. Pierce showed some good running on the kick returns, but only got one carry. Dare Ogunbowale had one carry, as did Stefon Diggs. For a back with some wear on the treads like Mixon, might be worthwhile to divvy up some of the carries.
Special Teams, Great with the ball, not-so-great without it: For returns and FGs, aka the offensive end of special teams, Houston did quite good. Pierce average 39 yards on two kick returns, setting Houston up with good field...
