Kick-off Thursday night to Friday at 1:15 a.m.
Houston Texans (1-5-1) – Philadelphia Eagles (7-0)
This Thursday, the NFL has provided us with a big gap with a clash between one of the worst teams in the league and the only team still undefeated. On the one hand, Houston has been in big trouble since the start of the season. Only a draw (vs. the Colts) and a victory (vs. the Jaguars) come to attenuate a little gloomy balance sheet. It must be said that the Texans are now in a transition phase. Conversely, on the other side, the reconstruction seems well and truly finished. Philaldephia is now a contender. As proof, this immaculate record of 7 wins and no losses.
It’s simple, the Eagles have become the ogres of the NFC. The team to beat. Not sure Houston has the capabilities. For that, it will first be necessary to slow down this attack. Jalen Hurts is walking on water right now. The quarterback will also experience a special meeting for this Thursday Night Football. For the first, he returned to play in his hometown. The one who grew up just a few miles from NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium) will have the opportunity to shine in front of his family.
The Eagles attack with a bang
It must be said that with 1799 yards, 10 TDs and 2 INTs passing as well as 303 yards and 6 TDs on the ground since the start of the season, the pitcher has established himself as one of the credible favorites for the title of MVP. You don’t have to go far to find traces of a great performance. Just last week, Jalen Hurts gave us an encounter at 4 touchdowns (his career high). And if number 1 is the figurehead of this offensive squad, he is at the heart of a group that performs at all levels.
The offensive line first does a monster job, both to protect its pitcher, but also to open up gaps in the ground game. Miles Sanders in particular enjoys (114 carries, 563 yards and 5 TDs). Add to that, AJ Brown (39 receptions, 659 yards and 5 TDs)DeVonta Smith (38 receptions, 420 yards and 2 TDs) and Dallas Goedert (32 receptions, 421 yards and 1 TD) and you have an attack that has gone off the rails since the start of the season. It is therefore difficult for the Texans to imagine competing. Especially since the workforce is very young.
The attack of the Texans at half mast
Last week, Houston broke the franchise record for most rookies started in a single game. Facing the Titans, they were 8 first years aligned from the start. Three of them were in attack, while the other eight were defenders. Still, the Texans aren’t picking up on defense. They sure take a lot of yards (403.6 units/game, 30th in the league)but earns “relatively” few points (22 units collected per game, 17th in the NFL). It is especially on the other side of the ball that the bottom hurts.
After good dispositions during his rookie year, Davis Mills is marking time. The Texans attack does not advance (288.7 yards per game, 31st) and don’t miss (16.6 points per game, 29th). The only ray of sunshine in the gray offensive, the rookie Dameon Pierce. The running back tries, somehow, to make his mark (121 carries, 539 yards and 3 TDs). Under these conditions, it is difficult to compete with the best teams in the league. Anyway, these two formations are not at the same time of their construction. For Houston, Lovie Smith must first lay the groundwork. The Eagles are already looking for finishes. On paper, this meeting is therefore unbalanced.
