Preview: Texans vs Seahawks

Seahawks on Fire

The Firebirds, also know as the Seattle Seahawks, will be in Houston this Sunday to face off with the Texans. Last time these teams got together it was pretty much a one sided affair. I kind of expect the same thing this Sunday. Sadly, I think it will be the Seahawks on top this time. Both defenses are incredible, but the way the Texans have played all season, its hard to see it going any other way. The
Texans have become great at something the Seahawks love, and that is turnovers. They thrive on opportunity to grab a pick or cause a fumble. Houston also tends to fall asleep for that one big play. 

What to Watch

• Corners vs Receivers - Andre Johnson is banged up. Seattle has the most physical secondary in football. Sherman will probably be on Hopkins more than Johnson, but Browner is no chump. This will have to be won by the tight end position. Get a TE on a linebacker to get pressure off Johnson and company. On the flip side, Houston cannot let Golden Tate or Sydney Rice sneak deep down the sideline. This will be hard if playaction is present because you do have to respect Marshawn Lynch. Safeties must stay disciplined, especially Ed Reed who loves to come up and make a hit on the RB's
• Front Line - The front line of Houston must get pressure on both the pass and run. Clog the middle and make tackles on Lynch. He is a master of getting yards after contact. Houston also has not played well against mobile QB's. They have to keep Wilson in the pocket. He stands under 6 feet which could mean a monster day for the SWatt team if he stays there. Do not let him scramble and hit his receivers deep. A big key is that Seattle could be missing 3 players on the O-line. 3 backups, one of which is a rookie, could have their hands full with Watt and the crew. Blitz early and often to confuse the backup line.
• Tackle Marshawn Lynch. He is strong, he is fast. It will take a team effort to take him down. Wrap up at the legs and get help from the team. If he gets past the 2nd level and into the secondary, it will be a long, LONG day for Houston trying to stop him and the playaction pass. 
• Stay away from turning the ball over! When these guys get a turnover, more times than not they will return it for a TD. Nothing worse than giving these guys free points when they can run the ball as good as they do to kill the clock. Play smart. Throw the ball away, and stop being so lasered in on your receivers. You eyeball Johnson the whole time like usual, they are going to jump the route and take it for the pick 6. The run game must get going. I have a whole other opinion here that will be in my next post. Some may think I'm nuts, but....well, you will see.

Outcome

I can't see a hobbled Andre beating any of these Corners enough to make a difference. The run game has been awful, especially for a team that thrives on the run game. Schaub will force a couple of passes that he shouldn't. Houston will probably give up a big pass. I can only expect the Seahawks to take this one. It may be close for a while until Seattle pulls away with defensive plays.