The Texans need to cut some meat against the Colts on Sunday if they want to remain a playoff contender (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Talk about a tall order.
The Texans face the 10-0 Colts on Sunday in what amounts to a must-win situation if the team plans to keep its fading playoff hopes alive. Never mind that the Texans are 1-14 all time against Peyton Manning.
Even with a win on Sunday, the Texans would still be behind the five teams in the AFC that currently have seven or more wins - in addition to being on the short end of tiebreakers with others.
Lose, and the Texans will be looking up at a minimum of seven teams in the conference standings, and possibly as many as nine.
Lose and it will start feeling just like every other 6-10 or 8-8 season - with the only smidge of consolation being that this year's fork-stick came in late November instead of October.
Secondary issues
It's never good to lose your starting free safety for the season but the timing couldn't have been worse for the Texans to lose Eugene Wilson.
"It makes it even tougher," said Texans head coach Gary Kubiak on Wednesday when asked about losing a member of the secondary before Manning comes to town. "Obviously you'd like to have (Wilson) back there roaming around but that's part of the game."
John Busing will start in place of Wilson. Busing is a four year player with one career start - in the Texans Week 3 loss to Jacksonville.
Dominique Barber may also see some action. The highlights of Barber's 2009 season are teaming up with Busing on a fumble recovery for touchdown against the Jets, and a blown coverage against Chris Johnson in Week 2 that resulted in the easiest TD that Johnson will ever score.
If there's a reason for angst on Sunday it's that Busing and Barber lack the range and coverage ability that Eugene Wilson brings. Expect Manning to test the Texans deep coverage on their first drive with either Reggie Wayne or Pierre Garcon.
Injury/health update (from houstontexans.com, Practice quotes: Friday)
- DeMeco Ryans (ankle) practiced today and it looks like he'll go on Sunday
- Amobi Okoye (flu) didn't practice and his situation sounds less encouraging. "(Amobi has)been sick for two days," said Gary Kubiak after practice. "I'm hoping he's okay. He's back home today. He had the flu. He got sick and came in yesterday so we sent him to the hospital yesterday and he's at home today."
- Jacoby Jones should be good to go (from Practice quotes: Thursday). "Jacoby practiced good today," said Kubiak. "He should be fine. He should be OK."
Roster moves
Antwaun Molden was placed on IR this week due to lingering hamstring and quad injuries. It's the second year in a row that the Texans 3rd round pick from the 2008 draft has ended up on IR. The Texans signed Mark Parson and Brian Russell to replace Molden and Eugene Wilson on the 53.
Another week another uniform
The Texans will wear their sixth different uniform combination of the season on Sunday when they don their 'all blue' look. Personally, I like the 'all blue' much better than the 'all white' or 'all red' look.
Does anyone else think the Texans get way too gimmicky with these uniform themes? I'd trade every White Out, Deep Steel this, or Battle Red that from now until the end of time for two uniform combinations and an identity as a winner.
In terms of karma, the only time the Texans have ever beaten the Colts was on December 24, 2006 when they were in their 'all blue' look. Kris Brown kicked the game winner that day. Hmmm.
Comments
"In terms of karma, the only time the Texans have ever beaten the Colts was on December 24, 2006 when they were in their 'all blue' look. Kris Brown kicked the game winner that day. Hmmm."
Sounds like a chance for redemption for Kris Brown...
I just hope they are in a position to win the game in the 4th quarter.
AJ,
Good call on the unis. I've had a number of non-Texan fans ask me about the inconsistency with our uniforms. We need a home jersey, away jersey and maybe a salute to the troops/Thanksgiving combo. We have not been around long enough to don any jersey other than the aforementioned. Flush the karma (and Kris Brown), focus on playing football and let's win out.
As far as the uniforms, there is no 'magic' with Battle Red any more as far as I'm concerned. It used to fire everyone up but they got swept at home by division rivals while wearing red jerseys this year. I don't mind an alternate uni once a year but this is a little much. Actually, of all the alternates, I like the all-blue the best.
Agree on having it come down to a kick again tomorrow. I'd rather not put it in the kicker's hands (or foot) any more if we don't have to.
Expected DeMeco to play, and I'm glad Jacobey looks to be coming back. Hope he's close to 100% ? Regarding Amobi, my biggest concern there is that he spreads the flu bug to more valuable players because he's on but mostly off again this season.
I just hope we get some pressure on Manning Sunday, it's even more important now with our starting FS now gone for the season.
And please don't let it come down to a FG - they might not even be able to find the uptight Brown this Sunday if he has to go out there again at the end of regulation for a kick ?
I honestly think we're gonna win this game, but the bad news is it's probably too little too late to make the playoffs.
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