(Photo: Action247)
AFC Game Of The Week
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans
Broncos: I still remember when they gave up 70 to the Miami Dolphins back in week three. Think of Garrett Bolles and his rant after the game, Sean Payton and his remarks at the podium and how everyone was destroying Russell Wilson which is the thing everyone does nowadays with football teams because it’s the easy thing to do and they can unfortunately be the scapegoat for any struggling football team but Russell isn’t the reason why they gave up 70 points. Remember, he doesn’t play on the defensive side of the football. This was a Broncos team that started the season 1-5 and since then, they’ve won five in a row and two of those wins have come against the Kansas City Chiefs who Patrick Mahomes has dominated and owned since becoming a starting Quarterback and the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park on a Monday night. This might be Sean’s best coaching job in recent memory and I say that because many considered the Broncos to be the worst team in the league and Russell Wilson had seen better days. I see a group that’s finishing games and playing consistent football. You all haven’t either heard me say this or read it in some time: “His name is Russell, Last Name Wilson”. He’s finally looking like the guy we all saw in Seattle. I’m talking about the Quarterback who extended plays and made it happen with a moving pocket. He isn’t a pocket guy and never will be. Cater to your Quarterback’s skillsets and good things will happen. On Sunday afternoon, the Broncos will look to stay hot with a trip to Houston.
Texans: Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars was a tough way to lose. It was a back and forth game late in the fourth quarter, they were able to get down the field and into field goal range for an attempt to tie the football game. Matt Ammendola had the distance it looked like, but the ball ended up hitting the crossbar and it was no good! Jacksonville escaped with a victory to keep them in first place in the AFC South. This is a tough football team that DeMeco Ryans has in Houston and the Texans never show any signs of quitting. Whether it’s a win or even a loss such as what we saw the other day against the Jags, they will find a way to hang around in the game regardless. I’ve always said you have two types of leaders. There are the guys who lead vocally and then, you have the ones who lead by example and that’s the category I’d place C.J Stroud in. He may not say much, but his wrk ethic speaks for itself and the Texans follow his lead which is everything you want out of your young Quarterback. I am so excited for this team’s future because it’s so bright and full of hope. Don’t be shocked if they are coming into future seasons as the favorite to win the AFC South for years to come. Let them continue to build up that roster, add more youth and more people will begin to notice them if they aren’t being noticed now at this moment. They will look to bounce back on Sunday against one of the hottest teams in the NFL as we speak in the Denver Broncos who are rolling right now.
Broncos X-Factor: Jonathon Cooper– Say it with me. You better have game if you have two first names. It’s only right! I love Jonathon’s effort off the edge because he’s always looking to disrupt and get home to that Quarterback which he does on the regular. He’s actually the leader in sacks on the team with 5.5. Jonathon is 6’4 with that strong first step, speed off the snap of the ball and he’s that disruptive force every defense has up front.
Texans X-Factor: Nico Collins– Ohio State and Michigan can coexist sometimes. Stroud is the Ohio State alum and Nico Collins here is the Michigan man. He’s that typical possession receiver at 6’4 and that one guy who you target in the red zone. Houston also puts Nico in the slot and there’s no answer for him. He was Stroud’s top target earlier in the year and now, that top guy has been Tank Dell. Having a Quarterback being able to get you the ball consistently does mean something. He had plenty of open look last year and Davis Mills just couldn’t get him the ball.
Final Thoughts: This should be a very interesting game. We have two teams here who are both on the outside looking in of the AFC playoff picture (hence the title). This will also be the first meeting between C.J. Stroud and Russell Wilson. During this winning streak for the Broncos, Russ has thrown eight touchdown passes and no interceptions. It’s safe to say this offense has come to life under Sean as of late. Denver will be facing a Houston pass defense that gives up 252 yards passing per contest. I can’t wait to see Patrick Surtain II lining up against Tank Dell. That’s going to be a battle between two young football players. This is an important game for both teams, especially Denver who hasn’t been in this position in quite some time. Hitting Stroud early on and often will be the key for the Broncos. Make him panic to throw the ball and keep their deep plays underneath. As for the Texans, it will always start with attempting to contain Wilson in the pocket. This could be one of the games of the day. Denver keeps it rolling here with a win on the road.
Prediction: Broncos 31, Texans 27
