Houston Texans prepare for a competitive contest against the Buffalo Bills. With hopes of the playoffs on the line, they are unfortunately up against a short week to get ready. As of this writing, the team is an impressive 5-5 after a terrific run with five wins in the last seven games. The Texans will be without their starting quarterback. C.J. Stroud will miss his third consecutive game. He is still home recovering from a concussion. This unprecedented circumstance presents a significant challenge for the production team. It also presents new opportunities to get them one step closer to making the playoffs.
After three weeks, the Texans had a mere 14% chance to make the playoffs. Following their underwhelming showings, that number climbed to 26%. A victory over the Bills would raise their odds to 37%, making this contest one of the most important in the short history of this team. In both of those surreal novelty double-Victorian wins, the Texans’ defense has been a huge factor in their recent surge. Their 16.3 points per game allowed leads the entire league. Furthering their lead in that defensive category, they rank first in total yards allowed, surrendering only 258.1 yards per game. On top of all that, they’re second in the league in completion percentage against them at 57.6% and tied for the third-most interceptions.
Even with Davis Mills still centered, the Texans have found their way to 2-0. Mills has provided the leadership and production needed in Stroud’s absence to help keep this team rolling in the right direction. The road ahead is demanding. It won’t get any easier for the Texans, who have four of their final seven opponents checking in with winning records. With them sitting only one game out of the last wildcard spot in the AFC, every game has become a must win.
To that end, Coach DeMeco Ryans talks a lot about staying in the moment. He cautions not to get lost in possibilities of the future. He’s convinced that sticking to one main focus will ensure his team cuts through the competitive clutter and achieves their lofty goal.
“We just have to find a way to finish on both sides of the ball.” – E.J. Speed
The Texans’ players are all in agreement with Ryans, understanding that the best thing they can do most is keep doing what’s working. All along, Dalton Schultz just wanted to see the fruits of their labor show up on the football field.
“We just needed to see the fruits of the labor.” – Dalton Schultz
The Texans’ path this season certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing. Following a 0-3 start, skepticism emerged as to whether or not they could still compete for a wild card berth. A resolute mindset and determination have led them back into contention.
Despite the absence of C.J. Stroud, his anticipated return in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts adds optimism for the team. Having a healthy Stroud back under center could provide a much-needed boost as they approach the final stretch of the season.
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