Week 3 Preview: Houston Texans vs New York Giants

The 2-0 Houston Texans have found somewhat of an identity already this season. They've won both their games playing tough hard defense and running the ball successfully. New HC Bill O'Brien has came in with his own formula of mistake free efficient football, and it's worked through the first 2 games this far. Next up the Texans play a struggling Giants team that has yet to find their identity. But being that the game is on the road in a hostile environment like MetLife Stadium the Texans will need to be the clock eating, turnover causing, smash mouth team they've been thus far to come out of this week's game with the win.

Keys to the offense

The Running Game: Arian Foster has been on a rampage to start this season. He's already carried the ball 55 times and rushed for 252 yards on the season. Facing a Giants defense that have up 90+ yards to Andre Ellington last week against the Cardinals Foster should be able to do some damage. Foster ran for 138 yards on 27 attempts against the Raiders last week, but wasn't alone in being a productive RB for the Texans. Rookie RB Alfred Blue also had 11 carries for 40 yards. Blue actually finished the game after Foster was pulled early in the 4th to ensure his health, and Blue looked like a quality back that can take a hit and keep moving. Look to see both of these backs get carries next week against the Giants. If the Texans are going to be successful on offense it'll start with these two making plays.

3rd down conversions: The Texans were 9/15 on 3rd down last week. That's a trend that'll need to continue not just this game but all season if the Texans plan on winning many games. A key to this is QB Ryan Fitzpatrick making the right reads at the line and executing. Andre Johnson has been one of his favorite targets when in these situations so far this season. Johnson pulled in 6 catches last week for 74 yards. Just another day at the office for #80 who is now 15th in the all time receiving yardage list.

Keys on Defense

Creating turnovers: The Texans have already caused 6 turnovers through 2 games. The 2 last week were in their own territory on long drives that would've ended in points for the Raiders more than likely. Going against a Giants team that's not really comfortable with the offense their running, getting at least one should be a goal of the defense on Sunday. Safety DJ Swearinger had a strip that led to a long return by CB Jonathan Joseph against Oakland last week and Swearinger should be on the hunt again trying to make an impact on this game.

Pressuring Eli Manning: It's no secret that Eli Manning hasn't played to his Super Bowl winning standards the last couple years. He's been turning the ball over at a high rate and a lot of that is because his protection isn't nearly as good as our was when the Giants won those championships. The Texans will have to take advantage of this and five Manning into some bad decisions on Sunday. JJ Watt went last game without a sack after being doubled and chip blocked on nearly every play, so I'd expect him to show up in a big way this week. Whitney Mercilus well also be a player to watch this week. Mercilus is playing in place of injured #1 overall pick Jadaveon Clowney and with Watt getting so much attention it could be a big game for the Texans LB.

Watt's helps on both sides, as Texans route Raiders

The Houston Texans have started their season 2-0 for the 5th straight season after beating the Oakland Raiders handily on the road 30-14. The Texans are now the only unbeaten team in the AFC South, a, division I'm which they won 2 years in a row just before last year's 2-14 debacle.

Arian Foster had a huge game with 28 carries for 138 yards and a TD. The Texans ran the ball 45 times Sunday. While only attempting 19 passes. This may seem a bit ridiculous, but it paid off when the Texans were able to get JJ Watt wide open in the back of the end zone off a play action pass early in the game for their first TD. Yes, JJ Watt was lined up as a TE and caught a TD pass. He can do it all. DeAndre Hopkins caught QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's second TD pass later in the game. Hopkins ended the game with just 3 catches for 22 yards while Andre Johnson was his always consistent self notching 6 catches for 74 yards.

Defensively the Texans were able to limit what the Raiders did most of the game. Rookie QB Derek Carr did look good in stints but overall the defense was able to make plays when they needed them to prevent Carr from really getting a rhythm going. Car threw 2 interceptions on the day. One to CB Kareem Jackson, and one to LB Brooks Reed. Both killed decent drives the Raiders had put together. Jonathan Joseph caused a fumble and recovered one as well in Sunday. And while JJ Watt was pressuring the QB all have long through double teams, he never did get a sack. The Raiders kept 2 men on him at all times Sunday, but while he got tons of attention others in the defensive unit made big plays.

Next up for the 2-0 Texans, a road game against Eli Manning and the struggling N.Y. Giants next week.

Week 2 Preview: Houston Texans vs Oakland Raiders

After an efficient showing week 1 against the Washington Redskins the Houston Texans turn their attention to there week 2 opponents, the Oakland Raiders. The Texans will be looking for yet another 2-0'start, after starting the same way last year before dropping 14 in a row. Getting wins to start the season could be big for the Texans with the Jaguars Colts both losing last week. Taking an early lead in the AFC South could be big for the Texans. As of right now their tied 1st place with the 1-0 Titans.

The Texans will no doubt attack the Raiders on the ground just a, week after Oakland gave up over 200 yards rushing. Arian Foster and should be getting a heavy workload this week, I'm thinking 25 carries minimum this game, if the Texans are leading going into the 4th quarter. Foster who grew up a Raider fan may be looking at a career game against the team he once rooted for.
If Foster can get it going early it should open up some easier passes for Ryan Fitzpatrick to WR's Sunday afternoon. Both Andre Johnson and Deandre Hopkins had solid numbers against the Redskins totaling 10 catches for 182 yards and 1 TD.

Defensively the Texans looked great last week. Only allowing 6 points to RG3 and an offensive unit full of speed. They'll now face a rookie QB playing in only his second game as a pro in Derek Carr. The younger brother of the Houston Texans 1st draft pick ever will be attempting to bring down the team he once rooted for while his brother was there QB. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has already said they'll be trying to throw stuff at the time rookie he's never seen and it should work to the Texans advantage. With rookie LB Jadaveon Clowney out for the Texans for the next 4-6 weeks it'll be important that hid replacement Whitney Mercilus delivers this week. Mercilus a 1st ribs pick himself says he'll be ready to contribute this week. JJ Watt could also have a big day playing against a young QB that won't be as prepared for him batting passes and his speed from the DE spot. 

Rockets ink 3 point specialist Troy Daniels to a 2 year contract

The Houston Rockets are still making moves in free agency today add they re-signed SG/SF Troy Daniels to a 2 year contract. Daniels went undrafted in the 2013 draft and was later signed by the Charlotte Bobcats. After being waived by Charlotte Daniels signed with the Rockets who signed him to there NBDL affiliate the Rio Grande Vipers. He was named to the all star game in the NBDL before being called up to the Rockets for the playoffs. In game 3 oh that series Daniels hit the go ahead 3 with 11 seconds left.

Daniels made the biggest shot in the Rockets short post season. That really can't be argued, and with the loss of Chandler Parsons and the trade of Jeremy Lin the Rockets will need me offense like that out of Daniels this next season.

Rockets sign Trevor Ariza to a 4 year contract

In the midst of the Houston Rockets having to make a decision on whether or not they'll match the 3 year 46 million dollar offer sheet Chandler Parsons signed from the Mavs the team has signed a veteran SF in Trevor Ariza. Ariza who played for the Rockets during the 2010 season is back for another go around. He signed a 4 year 32 million dollar contract. Ariza played in 77 of 82 games last season for the Wizards, he averaged  14 points and 6 rebounds a game. Put that alongside his defensive prowess and the Rockets have themselves a solid signing.

The next question is do the Rockets plan to match the Mavs offer sheet to Chandler Parsons. But regardless of that, the Rockets got a steal with Ariza at the price they're paying.

Parsons signs offer sheet from Mavs

Well I figured someone would offer Chandler Parsons a deal sooner or later seeing that he's restricted free agent. But I didn't think that he'd get a max offer for 3 years from a divisional rival. The Dallas Mavericks have offered Parsons 46 million dollars over 3 years to come to Dallas.

At the end of the day 15 million dollars a year for Parsons is too steep of a price in my opinion. Especially when the Rockets are trying to land Chris Bosh from the Heat. Paying Harden, Dwight, and Bosh max contracts would basically mean any other player the Rockets bring in would be taking some sort of discount. They would've included Parsons and I think he knew that, which is why he's forcing the Rockets hand by signing that offer sheet instead of negotiating with Houston.

For the Rockets this means they'll mute than likely lose Parsons, a gem of a player they snagged in the second round of the draft. The two question for Houston now is... will they match that ridiculous offer sheet. And if he does who's going to be his replacement in Houston.

The Chandler Parsons Conundrum

So the Rockets made it official announcing they won't be picking up Parsons option. Parsons, who's been an integral piece off this rockets team for the past 2 seasons has become a highly sought after player. Basically the Rockets would rather get a superstar player than resign Parsons to a big money deal. They'll undoubtedly have to because other teams are going to as well. Rockets GM Daryl Morey is stuck trying to figure out what to do.

Personally I'd say to trade Parsons. At least then they'll get something for him rather than just letting him walk. Best case scenario, they can strike a deal with the Magic and land another high draft pick next season. Parsons is from Orlando, and played his college ball at the University of Florida. The Rockets will be collecting a draft pick from the Pelicans for Omer Asik as soon add that trade is finalized. If they're able to get another 1st round pick they'd have another piece to trade, for yet another great player such as Kevin Love our even Rajon Rondo. If Parsons leaves and the Rockets get absolutely nothing for him it'd be a disaster in my eyes.

Some say that superstar is possible without trading Parsons, and if that superstar isn't a SF then trading him wouldn't be necessary. But paying Parsons will be the issue. With both Dwight Howard and James Harden getting max contracts it'll be hard to figure out what to pay Parsons. Add in the fact that the Rockets were anticipating paying someone else a max deal as well, which would leave only scraps for Parsons.

If Parsons is willing to take less money to win, the Rockets should keep him. Regardless of whether they get Melo or not. Parsons is one of the top players in the league at his position and keeping him would only make the Rockets better. But if  paying him what he wants isn't possible... get something for him.

What LeBron opting out REALLY means

So now that LeBron James has opted out of the final 2 years of his contract, let's talk about what this actually means. One, take into account that since he's been on the Heat he's been to the finals every year. No they didn't win all 4 appearances but no other team in basketball can say they've done that. Two, LeBron has always said he'd take less money to win, and he proved that by leaving some cash on the table signing in Miami. And last but not least... LeBron is Miami right now. Regardless of those who think the fans in that town actually love Wade more, we on the outside see the truth. Wade ain't the one with commercials showing the whole city running with him, he's also not the one you hear about on rap anthems by the area's finest lyricists from Rick Ross to DJ Khaled. Truth is LeBron is running things in that city, period point blank.

Now taking all that in mind do you honestly think a LeBron is leaving the Heat? I don't. I think he at least expects Chris Bosh to opt out as well soon to add to the revenue Pat Riley can use to make this Heat team a contender for at least 3-4 more years. Carmelo isn't a realistic option in my eyes. Him and LeBron play the same position, and Melo needs to be on his own team. I e expect Miami to upgrade at the PG, SF, and PF positions. Some are already talking Kyle Lowry as a possible target. If they can find another quality SF say a, Chandler Parsons or a Danny Granger to play extended minutes when LeBron is at the PF that'd be a big pick up too. After Bosh the Heat is thin at PF. At times they like to play him at C too, so his backup should be a quality player that can make plays when the opportunities are there. Udonis Haslem isn't going to cut it anymore. A player I think they'll be interested in at that spot is Andre Blatche. His all around game is exactly what the Heat need out of their PF.

But regardless of who their bringing in with the money freed up from LeBron opting out let's not get things twisted people, LeBron didn't opt out to play in Cleveland. Nor did he do it to play in New York or Los Angeles. He did it so he'd have a chance to play in Miami till he retired. At least I believe so.

Texans trade Matt Schaub to Raiders for a 6th rd pick

After signing a veteran backup in ex Titans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick it was clear the Texans had made their decision to either trade or cut their former starting QB Matt Schaub. It was rumored last week that the 2 teams that were interested in Schaub were the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns. The Oakland Raiders traded the Houston Texans a 6th round pick for the veteran QB. The Raiders now have 4 QB's on their roster with Schaub joining Terrell Pryor, Matt McGloin, and Matt Flynn.

Though the Raiders only gave up a 6th rounder for him  he's due 10.5 million dollars this season, 12 million next season, and a whopping 14 million dollars for the 2016 season. That kind of money would make me think he'll be the teams starter. The Raiders will most likely be releasing one of the other QB's before the draft. I'd guess Matt Flynn would ne that guy, as he was the least effective of the Raiders QB's last year. If Schaub is the starter he'll face his former team in Oakland this season.

As a Texan Schaub racked up 23,221 passing yards in 7 years as the teams starting QB. He also threw for 124 TD's and 78 interceptions for a passer rating of 90.9.

Texans sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Houston Texans have signed veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to a 2 year contract. The contract's worth 7.25 million dollars with 4 million in guaranteed money. The Texans will likely use Fitzpatrick as a backup to whatever QB they draft this May. The signing signalled the end of QB Matt Schaub's time in Houston. With a much cheaper and experienced backup now on the roster paying Schaub the 10.5 million dollars he's due doesn't make since.

Fitzpatrick will be playing for the 5th team in his 10 year career. He's thrown for more than 20 TD's just 3 times and has a career QB rating of 77.5. Fitzpatrick's also thrown 106 TD's and 93 interceptions in his career to date.

Texans Nose Tackle sign Jerrell Powe

The Houston Texans have made their first official move of free agency, and it wasn't a big name. It was in fact a big person though, 6'2" 331lb NT Jerrell Powe is the newest member of the Houston Texans. Powe was drafted in 2011 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Back then, new Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell was the Chiefs defensive coordinator and may see him as a perfect fit for this Texans team without a NT on the roster.

As a Chief Powe played in just 12 games in 3 seasons. In those 12 games he totaled just 8 tackles and 1 sack. I don't see Powe as the Texans starting NT next year. But with this signing they've addressed a huge need.

Texans re-sign TE Garret Graham

After releasing arguably the best TE in franchises history in Owen Daniels earlier this week. The Houston Texans have re-signed the player they consider the TE of the future, Garrett Graham. Graham's deal is a 3 year deal, with a total worth of 11.25 million dollars.

The Texans now have Graham, and free agent acquisition Zack Potter at the TE spots on the depth chart. Potter was signed right after new head coach Bill O'Brien was hired. With that being said the team should still be in the market for another TE in free agency or the draft.

Houston Texans cut TE Owen Daniels

In what wad somewhat of a surprise to many the Houston Texans cut veteran TE Owen Daniels. Just earlier this week Daniels was quoted saying he "earned the right" to play out the duration of his contract with the Texans. Obviously new head coach Bill O'Brien and GM Rick Smith didn't agree with Daniels, who is coming off a season in which he finished on the IR from a leg injury.

Daniels would've been in the last year of his deal and was owed 6 million dollars if he was on the roster. He played every one of his 8 NFL seasons in Houston after being drafted by the Texans out of the University of Wisconsin in 2006. The Texans will save over 4 million dollars from parting ways with the former Pro Bowler.

Texans button up staff, Crennel and Vrabel among hires

New Houston Texans HC Bill O'Brien had a lot of work to do after coming to the Texans and gutting the entire staff with the exception of 2 coaches. He has finished his hiring process, and built a pretty good coaching staff on both sides of the ball. Here's a look at the Texans new staff. A coaching unit O'Brien hopes will get the job done now with a team that recently finished dead last in the league, after winning their first 2 games but losing 14 straight to finish the season.

Offensive Coordinator: In what was a surprise to some new HC Bill O'Brien will doing double duty, as he will also be the Texans play caller on offense. At Penn St where he coached the last 2 season's he did the same. To those who weren't aware of that fact it was probably surprising hearing that he'd do this. But no one knows his offense better than him, so hiring and teaching it to someone would be more hassle than it's worth.

Offensive Line: Paul Dunn was hired as the Texans new offensive line coach after spending the past 2 seasons in the same position with the Atlanta Falcons. Dunn will be responsible for keeping whatever QB the Texans are starting next season upright. Coming off a season where the Texans went from Matt Schaub to Case Keenum with the same type of results Dunn will have his work cut out for him. The good thing is that Matt Ryan is a pocket passer that usually did stay clean, I'm sure O'Brien hopes for the same results in his first year in Houston.

WR and RB coaches: O'Brien wasn't shy about bringing his own guys in to fill some of the Texans open coaching vacancies. Stan Hixon will be the Texans new WR coach. The same position he held at Penn St, with Charles London also retaining his same role as the Texans new RB coach. Both London and Hixon will be coaching alongside Bill O'Brien for the third season, and should have no problems the talent the Texans already have on the roster in my opinion.

QB coach: George Godsey will be the Texans new QB coach, he has an extensive history with O'Brien. Both were on the sane staff in New England before O'Brien left for Penn St. Godsey stayed with the Pats as the teams TE coach. Godsey has a history as a QB guy, as he played the position at Georgia Tech and was the QB coach at UCF from 05-08.

Defensive coordinator: As it was rumored from the day Wade Phillips was fired, Romeo Crennel will be calling the defensive plays for the Texans. He's got 3 rings already as a defensive coordinator, and is hoping the turnaround in Houston is quick enough to maybe get him another. Whether he'll be able to use the 3-4 scheme he loves so much has yet to be seen but it should be noted he won 2 rings with the Patriots running a 4-3. And the last one they won using whatever they  thought would give the defense the best matchup that week. So there's a good chance the Texans will be using a lot of looks this season. The Patriots defense under Crennel was known for disguising their coverages and pressure, which would be a pleasant change from the Phillips scheme that would almost always line up in man and never disguise their blitz packages.

Defensive line coach: One of the two coaches Bill O'Brien decided to keep was Bill Kollar. Can't really argue with the move either. Kollar is definitely a big part of the reason for JJ Watt's success since he's been a Texan, along with younger players like Jared Crick. The Texans should be in a good spot with Kollar still coaching.

LB coach: Mike Vrabel will come to Houston to coach under the man who coached him to 3 Super Bowl championships in Romeo Crennell. Vrabel had spent the last 2 season's as a LB coach with the Ohio St Buckeyes but decided to make the jump to the pro ranks with better opportunities ahead of him. Vrabel should have a healthy Brian Cushing back with his LB core at the start of the season. Cushing will benefit from a coach like Vrabel who always flourished as a mental player. He should be able to show Cushing, a player who's always been gifted physically more about the mental side of the position.

Secondary coach: John Butler was O'Briens DC at Penn St but will now go back to doing what he specializes in, which is the secondary. Butler will be running a secondary in Houston that's slowly gotten worst over the past 2 seasons. With players like Jonathan Joseph aging, and Brice McCain underachieving the Butler will have a lot of work to do.