Monday, September 20, 2010

Texans Put Redskins on Ice

The Houston Texans stared defeat square in the eyes during a tough Sunday afternoon road game and didn't blink. Trailing by 17 late in the 3rd quarter, the offense began to click. The role players began to produce and its stars began to shine. Matt Schaub finished with 73% efficiency on 38 of 52 pass attempts with a 3:1 TD/int ratio and a QB rating of 114.

Arian Foster's relatively diminished output of 60+ yards rushing was nicely complemented with 3 catches for another 60+ yards that put his total production over 130. Jacoby Jones continued his development with a nifty goal line touchdown pattern early in the game and a crucial crunch-time reception late in the contest in front of the opponent's sideline. Kevin Walters and Andre Johnson combined for over 300 yards and a touchdown each with their sterling play.

But credit MUST be given to the defense that for the better part of 3 quarters was rung up for 27 points as Donovan McNabb had just his 3rd 400-yard passing game in his illustrious 12 year career. They finally stiffened, and Bernard Pollard pulling duty on special teams incredibly blocked a Graham Gano field goal attempt that turned out to be an ominous sign for the rookie kicker from Florida State that otherwise probably would have "iced" the game with a 10-point lead. Taking over on downs and trailing 27 – 20, the Texans drove down the field with brave catches by Walters, Daniels and Dreesen over the middle, and a miracle 4th and 10 35-yard “jump ball” touchdown to Johnson to tie the game and force overtime.

The icewater in the veins of a defense that didn't allow another point by the Redskins, the steadfast faith in that squad by Gary Kubiak to punt away the ball and play field position after failing to convert with the overtime period's first possession, and the "icing of the kicker" that worked effectively against Gano to negate his otherwise successful first attempt at a 52-yard game-winner... meant Houston would prevail with their own game-winning field goal of 35 yards by Neil Rackers.

The Texans have returned home to Houston with a 2 - 0 record to host a no-doubt desperate 0 - 2 Dallas Cowboys team this Sunday in Reliant Stadium.

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