MNF - Texans at Patriots sponsored by Homefield Advantage

[djohn2oo8]

Because it can't get here fast enough. :hat

[LnGrrrR]

Agreed DJohn. It's a great test for both of our teams. There's a Texans fan here in the office, and her and I are already starting up some trash talk. :D I love the NFL.

[djohn2oo8]

Agreed DJohn. It's a great test for both of our teams. There's a Texans fan here in the office, and her and I are already starting up some trash talk. :D I love the NFL.

:lol The Texans don't have a great record in primetime and I still have the Green Bay game fresh in my mind. If they can win out (Indy twice, Minnesota @ home), then a good showing would satisfy me.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I'm with djohn. I can't bring myself to expect a victory out of this one, just want it to be less debacle-y than that Packers game; a close enough finish that I could chalk it up as growing pains towards the Texans winning against them at Reliant in the future. Rodgers worked them over good, Manning found his rhythm in the 2nd half of that Denver game and nearly gave Texans fans another nightmare loss against him. If I'm going to buy them as SB contenders they have to show at least some flashes of defensive brilliance against an elite QB this year.

[djohn2oo8]

I'm with djohn. I can't bring myself to expect a victory out of this one, just want it to be less debacle-y than that Packers game; a close enough finish that I could chalk it up as growing pains towards the Texans winning against them at Reliant in the future. Rodgers worked them over good, Manning found his rhythm in the 2nd half of that Denver game and nearly gave Texans fans another nightmare loss against him. If I'm going to buy them as SB contenders they have to show at least some flashes of defensive brilliance against an elite QB this year.

The only thing with that Denver game is the Texans completely dominated until Tate's fumble gave Denver momentum. The Green Bay game, IDK what happened but JJoseph has a nagging groin strain. And they played REALLY undisciplined in that game (with all the flags and whatnot along with special teams) and false starts, definitely shot themselves in the foot that game. Plus that was the first game after Cushing got hurt.

[Creepn]

Watts got the Patriots practicing with brooms n shit. That's how much he's in their heads.

[djohn2oo8]

Houston Texans ‏@HoustonTexans (https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans) "If you have tennis rackets in your hand, it's hard to rush the passer."-- @JJWatt (https://twitter.com/JJWatt) on reports Pats are practicing w/rackets to bat passes.

:lol I hope he backs up that statement

[djohn2oo8]

This guy deserves a ring.


HOUSTON (AP) — Andre Johnson sometimes has to tell his teammates how lucky they are to be on one of the NFL's best teams.

For years, Johnson languished on terrible Texans teams. Now, the star receiver shares stories of the tough times, a reminder to appreciate this season and keep working for more.

Johnson is the only player currently with Houston (11-1) remaining from its franchise-worst 2-14 season in 2005.

"Enjoy this part of it, because the times that I went through, that's something you don't ever want to experience," he said he tells his teammates of that season. "The season was super long. There were times I didn't want to get up and come to work. It's hard because you come in and you're working your (tail) off, and you just can't get the job done."

Johnson has 1,114 yards receiving to bounce back from an injury-filled 2011 season where he had a career-low 492 yards.

He probably appreciates where the Texans are now better than anyone. Johnson joined the team after being drafted in the first round in 2003, and went through eight seasons of missing the playoffs in a stretch with just one winning season.

There were times he thought about playing elsewhere, but he forced himself to think about the big picture.

"You find out a lot about yourself, if you're going to be loyal or if you're just going to run away from it," he said. "My thing was I wanted to stay. I wanted to be a part of something special. I wanted to help this organization to where it is right now and even help it achieve more."

When Houston finally made the postseason for the first time last year, the moment was bittersweet for the five-time Pro Bowler because he missed a career-high nine games with various injuries.

"I was excited, but at the same time I was down because you're just like: 'Man, I know I could be out there helping the team,'" he said. "Those would be the times that I would kind of get down on myself and try do things and hope that I could hurry up and come back."


Johnson had a

groin injury (http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2073389#) in training (http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2073389#) camp, and that combined with his age (31) and the nagging injuries that slowed him for a good chunk of last season had some wondering if he could still be an elite receiver.

He had 119 yards receiving in Houston's opener, but didn't crack 100 yards again until Week 9. It was then that Johnson said he was finally starting to feel like himself again, and two weeks later he showed just that.

Johnson grabbed 14 passes for 273 yards — both career-highs — and the winning touchdown in Houston's 43-37 overtime win (http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2073389#) against Jacksonville. He followed that performance with 188 yards receiving a week later.

He's been so good this season than even those who have watched him for years have been left shaking their heads.

"Every day is a marvel," offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said when asked about Johnson. "To me, it's amazing to see somebody work that hard and do that many things because usually you break down or a guy will ask for a day off, but he never does that. I think that's very, very impressive about Andre."

Matt Schaub, who joined the Texans in 2007, said just when he thinks he's seen the best from Johnson, he'll outdo himself. Schaub values Johnson's leadership to the team, and said he can't overstate what he's meant to him individually.

"(He's) the ultimate security blanket," Schaub said. "I know as a quarterback if push comes to shove and we need a play, I know I'm going to go his direction. We see all types of coverages. I'll still go his way because I know he's going to make a play on the football."

Johnson is the most soft-spoken and least talkative player on the team. That hasn't stopped him from being the most important leaders of the squad. But being a leader isn't something that is all that comfortable to Johnson, although he does appreciate that younger players look up to him.

"I've just always been the guy that tries to lead by example," he said. "It's crazy. You'd be surprised at who pays attention to you. I think when you go out and do the right things as a player and just be yourself and be successful at what you do, guys tend to look toward you and come to you for advice and things like that."

Houston has already clinched its second straight playoff berth, but Johnson is quick to point out that these are not the Texans of old, and they're looking for a lot more than simply reaching the playoffs this season.

Johnson needs 86 yards to reach 1,200 yards receiving for the fourth time in his career when the Texans meet the Patriots on Monday night in what Johnson's calls the biggest game in franchise history.

"We still have goals that we have to accomplish," he said. "I think as long as we keep winning, every game is going to get bigger and bigger. When you've been somewhere you've never been before, everything gets bigger."

"

[Ghazi]

Best game of the year so far.

I'm leaning Texans +3.5 like I've mentioned, love the luxury of winning the bet if Texans lose by a FG.

Then again, Brady is awesome on primetime.

[gameFACE]

I don't know yet if the Texans can win against a team like the Pats in the post season but they are ready for a good regular season win. I think they pull it off tonight.

[Avante]

Big game, great game and I'm trying to make it as exciting as I can.

[djohn2oo8]

Suzy Kolber is a dumb bitch.

[benefactor]

Show me something H-Town.

[benefactor]

Hopefully Joseph is healthy enough to be effective.

[benefactor]

Well I was going to say good start.

[benefactor]

Nevermind. Good start.

[benefactor]

Shitty special teams are back. Last thing they need to do is give Brady a short field.

[benefactor]

Gonna need more of that from Jean. Kid has to show that big play potential tonight.

[benefactor]

Horrible.

lol all those Texans homers thinking Schaub is elite.

[benefactor]

wtf Schaub. Foster was WIDE fucking open.

[chunticakes]

wtf Schaub. Foster was WIDE fucking open.

lol schaub and texans doing their best romo/dallas impersonation.

[benefactor]

:lol

[Clipper Nation]

The AFC is total garbage this year, Patsies will be waltzing to the Super Bowl before getting exposed by the NFC champ, per par...

[weebo]

Looks like the bright lights of a big game is too much for the Texans...

[benefactor]

It's games like this that they really miss Cushing.

[weebo]

Ya keep running the ball when they keep stacking the line asshole

[benefactor]

Wow. Looks like I'm getting drunk tonight.

[thunderup]

Texans, being exposed, per par. Didn't believe all the hype about them before this game and still won't.

[benefactor]

Who gives a fuck if it was catchable? You don't run into the fucking receiver.

[resistanze]

:lol Texans

[benefactor]

:lol

[thunderup]

Brady pushing his shit in.

[chunticakes]

fuck this doesn't look good. :wow

[HI-FI]

sorry for you Houston niggas, when brady gets his 7 seconds in the pocket, which is per par, they are hard to beat. I fucking hate the Patriots but it is what it is. least I have him on my fantasy team, but I'm losing it this year anyways.

[benefactor]

:lol defense
:lol paper tiger

[HI-FI]

so did Patriots record the Texans walkthrough like usual or Texans overrated? this shit is sad.

[weebo]

:loldown by 21 and still running the ball

[benefactor]

so did Patriots record the Texans walkthrough like usual or Texans overrated? this shit is sad.
I can't understate the importance of Cushing. He makes all the difference in the middle where they have been gashed on the pass.

[Clipper Nation]

so did Patriots record the Texans walkthrough like usual or Texans overrated? this shit is sad.

Both, tbh....

[LnGrrrR]

I won't be happy until this game is officially over. Even up 21 points, I've seen too many NE collapses over the years to be fully satisfied.

[leemajors]

I can't understate the importance of Cushing. He makes all the difference in the middle where they have been gashed on the pass.

Brady always carves up Wade's defenses

[HI-FI]

Texans look shellshocked. They need to keep hitting Brady in the mouth. I hate seeing that fag with his obligatory 8 seconds in the pocket.

[benefactor]

The Texans are who I thought they were. They will be like the early '90's Bills. Lots of wins and playoff appearances and perhaps a Superbowl appearance...but they aren't winning shit.

[benefactor]

Gotta make that catch. Fucking hell.

[HI-FI]

The Texans are who I thought they were. They will be like the early '90's Bills. Lots of wins and playoff appearances and perhaps a Superbowl appearance...but they aren't winning shit.

seems accurate. we'll see how my Niners handle these fags next week, hopefully they come to play more than the Texans.

[benefactor]

Brady always carves up Wade's defenses
:lol man coverage the whole game

[weebo]

More like typical Houston football of the late 80's early 90's....choke when the games matter the most

[LnGrrrR]

Here's hoping McDaniels doesn't get all stupid with playcalling... some nice high percentage plays would be good here, maybe a screen.

[benefactor]

Just force that shit in there Cutler style, Schaub.

[HI-FI]

strange night, Shaub shitting the bed while Rinsanity is happening against the spurs

[benefactor]

Three TD's is bad, but it could have been much, much worse. At least the defense is awake. We'll see if they can at least make it interesting in the second.

[Cuppycake Gumdrop]

:lol if Gronk was playing it would be even worse.

[TIMMYtoZO]

Looks like Denver will be the #3 seed. That is a good thing, tbh. It will keep that momentum going from week to week.

[Malik Hairston]

Looks like Denver will be the #3 seed. That is a good thing, tbh. It will keep that momentum going from week to week.

I'm hoping they take it easy one of these games, tbh, just to keep them motivated and hopefully get the 4th seed..I'd love to get the Colts, rather than Pittsburgh(unless the Jets win out:lol)..

[LnGrrrR]

Pats could use a good offensive series here. Too many 3 and outs.

[benefactor]

Kubiak...you are down 21 fucker. Running the ball on first and second down is probably a bad idea.

[weebo]

AJ being single covered and kubiak calls two straight running plays....still playing not to lose

[LnGrrrR]

Also... screen? Please? Let's keep the pressure off a little.

Please? Screen?

[LnGrrrR]

Or just go right over the top of them. Fucking yes. That might slow em down some too.

[benefactor]

lmao

The corners are garbage beyond Joseph and sometimes Jackson. I would be helpful if the offense would actually try to score though.

[LnGrrrR]

These announcers :lol. "He had no choice but to run into the defender!" Oh, I wasn't aware that defenders couldn't get in the way of wide receivers now.

[benefactor]

Hey, they might actually score.

[weebo]

These announcers :lol. "He had no choice but to run into the defender!" Oh, I wasn't aware that defenders couldn't get in the way of wide receivers now.

DB wasn't playing the ball...

[HI-FI]

finally, maybe Texans can make this interesting.

[LnGrrrR]

DB wasn't playing the ball...

Hard to play the ball when you get shoved from behind, tbh.

[LnGrrrR]

Welker, you need to stop dropping balls.

[weebo]

Brady is such a faggot

[benefactor]

Mercilus is going to be good.

[HI-FI]

Brady is the biggest bitch, crying because he's not use to contact.

[benefactor]

...and that's why they are losing. Gotta make that catch.

[benefactor]

Brady running for the first. Insult to injury tbh.

[LnGrrrR]

:lol I love it when Brady runs out a first down.

[LnGrrrR]

:lmao FumblllleeeROOOSSSKKIEE TD!

[resistanze]

:lmao

[benefactor]

crofl typical

[tlongII]

:lmao

Texans shitting the bed.

[LnGrrrR]

JJ Watt looked pretty tired out there (even though he still is awesome), I'm pretty sure he hopes Houston gives him a rest.

[benefactor]

lol giving up. What a bunch of faggots.

[Bill_Brasky]

Reminds me of Pats/Jets MNF a couple years ago

[LnGrrrR]

Reminds me of Pats/Jets MNF a couple years ago

As long as the playoff matchup doesn't go the same way...

[LnGrrrR]

Pats running game has been strong in the 4th quarter the past few games.

Edit: Wtf? The Texans have backups in? I didn't know Popovich was coaching the Texans.

And another TD. Good, serves the fuckers right.

[benefactor]

Fucking quitters. Act like you are still losers then, Houston.

[thunderup]

Damn, whatever the Pats are doing today it sure is helping neutralize that Texan D-line activity.

[midnightpulp]

Damn. Rout.

Who kidnapped the Texans and replaced them with my Raiders?

[LnGrrrR]

Mayo just destroyed someone. :lol

[benefactor]

Damn. Rout.

Who kidnapped the Texans and replaced them with my Raiders?
No replacements...they are the same team with the same loser mentality.

[LnGrrrR]

Garbage time TD coming up. Fantasy football players, rejoice!

Edit: Or not... probably not many people starting TJ Yates.

[Raven]

tbh this pats team is realy really scary.. Only injuries can stop it really.. i mean a pats team with a D? That's like a zombie who's head can't be chopped. Even scarier : All of this without Gronkovski.