NFL Week 7: Houston Texans vs. Detroit Lions!

Houston Texans & Detroit Lions riding very different emotions into this Week 7 match up.

Texans vs. Lions Overview:

Fans with Houston Texans tickets finally saw their team take a victory with a heart-stopping finish against the Miami Dolphins with four seconds left. A last-second score by Matt Schaub on a QB draw took both the Houston Texans and Matt Schaub from goats to heroes. The winless Detroit Lions pushed the Minnesota Vikings to the limit and looked primed to take down their AFC North rival, but a series of turnovers and gaffes led to a two-point loss in the fourth quarter. Both of these struggling teams have a chance to change their fates in NFL Week 7.

Houston Texans Offense:

Quarterback Matt Schaub’s heroics in Week 6 led the Houston Texans to their first win of the season, and he managed to silence a lot of doubters. WR Andre Johnson is Matt Schaub’s main target and is impossible to cover one-on-one. Andre Johnson had 178 yards against the Miami Dolphins which set a franchise record. The success of Andrew Johnson also opens up running lanes for dynamic rookie RB Steve Slaton. TE Owen Daniels was another huge factor in the Houston Texans’ win and has evolved into a solid target capable of producing 100-yard games.

Houston Texans Defense:

Offense may sell Houston Texans tickets, but defense has been the key in all of their games this season. DE Mario Williams has become the premier pass rusher in the NFL and always requires double teams and chip blocks to contain. The success of Mario Williams also opens holes for MLB DeMeco Ryans to roam the field looking for the ball carrier. The defensive core of the Houston Texans is Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans, but many other players have really stepped up in recent weeks. The Houston Texans secondary is still a glaring weakness.

Detroit Lions Offense:

Wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams are two of the best pure talents at the position and can absolutely wreck opposing defenses. The problem for the Detroit Lions has been getting the impressive tandem the ball. Veteran QB Jon Kitna has been beaten up behind the Detroit Lions offensive line and may not start against the Houston Texans. RBs Rudi Johnson and Kevin Smith are another promising pair of skill players held back by a poor offensive line. OTs Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus are good players, but the interior of the O-line has been awful.

Detroit Lions Defense:

Outside linebacker Ernie Simms is the best player on the Detroit Lions defense and has the skill and passion to command respect in the huddle. Much like DeMeco Ryans, Ernie Simms is a speedy wrecking ball that flies from sideline to sideline racking up tackles. DEs Jared DeVries and Dwayne White have been excellent pass rushers so far and DT Cory Redding is another force in the front seven. FS Daniel Bullocks and CB Leigh Bodden are two standout players in the shaky Detroit Lions secondary.

Houston Texans Keys to Victory:

Though the combination of Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson broke the game open against the Miami Dolphins, RB Steve Slaton is the key to the Houston Texans offense. Steve Slaton could be the franchise running back fans with Houston Texans tickets have been waiting for and has the speed to score on any touch. With Steve Slaton establishing the run and TE Owen Daniels working the flats, Andre Johnson should get plenty of solo coverage deep. Andre Johnson will be able to shred the Detroit Lions defense if Matt Schaub can be given time to throw.

The poor offensive line of the Detroit Lions is like blood in the water for the Houston Texans defense. Mario Williams will be moved all over the line to get the best pass rush and should be after the quarterback on every play. The weak interior of the Detroit Lions line means that a strong inside rush is also possible, and it will be up to DTs Amobi Okoye, Travis Johnson, and Frank Okam to exploit it. DeMeco Ryans should be able to run wild thanks to the lack of blockers in his face. A great pass rush must be maintained at all times to protect against Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson.

Detroit Lions Keys to Victory:

The Detroit Lions have the weapons on the outside in Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams to fly all over the Houston Texans defense. The Houston Texans secondary is mediocre at best and none of their corners can match up one-on-one with either great Detroit Lions receivers. For the passing game to work, the QB must be given time, and it will be up to Rudi Johnson and Kevin Smith to help out. Not only is a healthy running game needed to slow the rush, but the backs will also have to help block Mario Williams as he shakes blockers.

The Detroit Lions must shut down Steve Slaton in the first half in order to make the Houston Texans offense focus on the pass. Andre Johnson will make catches even with double teams so crisp tackling to contain him is necessary. Stopping the running game will also allow the Detroit Lions pass rush to get after Matt Schaub who often makes bad decisions under pressure. OLB Ernie Sims has to make many plays as the leader of the Detroit Lions defense and will be a big factor against Owen Daniels and Steve Slaton.

Texas vs. Lions Outlook:

In NFL Week 6, many pundits had this meeting as a game of the winless wonders. The Houston Texans shocked the Miami Dolphins with a last-second win, much to the delight of fans with Houston Texans tickets. The Detroit Lions fought hard against the Minnesota Vikings and were within a breath of an upset all their own. The Houston Texans and Detroit Lions both have many great things to build on going into NFL Week 7, and their fortunes could be changing. This game will be an important momentum moment for both teams.

The Houston Texans may have saved their entire season in just a few seconds, and the taste of victory will not be soon forgotten. The Detroit Lions present a golden opportunity for the Houston Texans to win two-straight games. The Houston Texans secondary is no match for the pair of Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, but the Detroit Lions offensive line is no match for the Houston Texans front seven. With momentum and a pass rush on their side the Houston Texans have all they need to win at home, which should give fans with Houston Texans tickets plenty to cheer about.