This week’s game between the Ravens and Texans will be a Houston Homecoming for multiple Ravens players and coaches. Here’s what to watch for.
Arian Foster’s performance
Houston will have to fight the urge to be a one-dimensional offense on Sunday. After all, it’s natural to run the ball often when A) You’re starting tailback is Arian Foster, and B) You’re down to your 4th-string quarterback (Case Keenum).
Foster averages 4.56 yards per carry, 6.67 yards per reception and has scored two touchdowns in four games against the Ravens. However, Baltimore boasts an elite run defense (3rd in the NFL, 84.3 yards allowed per game).
Foster is Houston’s best offensive player, and Baltimore knows that.
How the Ravens scheme against JJ Watt
If you’ve watched the NFL at all this year or in recent years, you know describing JJ Watt as a freak is not a stretch. In all likelihood, he’ll run away with the 2014 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, and is as tough to block as any player in the league.
That said, the Ravens’ Marshal Yanda is probably the best offensive lineman in the league right now. So considering Watt usually lines up as a “3-technique” (on the outside shoulder of the guard), how will Juan Castillo scheme against him? Do you double team him on every play, knowing how much damage he can do to your offense? Or, do you tell Yanda, “You’re the best offensive lineman in the game. This is your day. Go get him?”
For football purists, it will be must-see TV.
Hopkins versus …?
The current cornerbacks on the Ravens roster are: Lardarius Webb (struggled frequently this year), Anthony Levine (has played cornerback, but still listed as a safety), Antoine Cason (signed just last week), and Rashaan Melvin (signed from Miami’s practice squad on November 8).
Those four players have totaled only 10 passes defensed this season. That’s not good.
Deandre Hopkins, Houston’s leading receiver, is really going to test the ability of whichever cornerback defends him on Sunday. Hopkins is a game-breaker. He’s caught 69 passes for 1,167 yards and 6 touchdowns this season, which is even more impressive considering he’s, at best, the second option behind Foster, and has had to deal with inconsistent quarterback play.
Hopkins could be the x-factor in this game.
The Texans’ turnover margin
Despite their 7-7 record, the Texans are tied for 2nd in the NFL in turnover margin (+12). Included in that stat is 31 takeaways.
If the Ravens want to win and continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl, they must have tremendous ball security in this game.
A Houston Homecoming
Gary Kubiak is from Houston. He was the Texans’ head coach from 2006-13. When he came to Baltimore, he was joined by other Texans coaches, such as Rick Dennison (quarterbacks) and Brian Pariani (tight ends).
Those coaches were joined by Justin Forsett and Owen Daniels. Forsett was a Texan in 2012, and Daniels started his NFL career in Houston in 2006 and left last year (just like Kubiak).
Is this a storyline only?
I don’t think so.
Sure, the fact that these five men are going to play (or coach in) a pivotal game in a place where they were recently employed is an interesting talking point. But when you look at what each of these men has contributed to this team, you realize they’re key to Baltimore winning this game. In other words, they know very well how the opponent operates, and they themselves are quite talented.
Usually in these situations, players rally around teammates and/or coaches who are going against their former team for the first time (a la Baltimore’s and Steve Smith, Sr. during Week 4’s 38-10 domination of Carolina).
This too, is something to watch for.
Prediction
Ravens 22, Texans 20
