The Houston Texans spent a truckload of cash this offseason to upgrade at quarterback, luring Brock Osweiler from the Super Bowl-champion Broncos.
Unfortunately for the Texans, their investment hasn’t paid all that many dividends.
Osweiler is the 26th-ranked quarterback in the NFL and has multiple problems. His quarterback rating is just 74.1, he’s thrown nine interceptions, has averaged just 5.6 yards per pass attempt and has been sacked 17 times.
Despite his problems, though, the Texans are 6-3 and leading the AFC South, thanks to a solid rushing attack and the league’s fourth-ranked defense that has excelled even without All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt.
So, when the 7-2 Raiders take on the Texans Monday night in Mexico City, Houston will be a high hurdle, despite the Texans’ obvious shortcomings at quarterback.
The Raiders’ defense likely will be in for a heavy dose of running plays from Houston, which has averaged 146 yards rushing and 5.2 yards per carry over its past four games. Lamar Miller (720 yards) and Alfred Blue (225) have been Houston’s best ball carriers. Left offensive tackle Duane Brown believes that running the ball vs. the Raiders – and every other team – is Houston’s best route to victory.
“We’ve been against some tough defenses and been able to put up some big performances in the run game,” Brown told reporters this week. “I think that’s crucial to us being successful going forward. I think that our running game is very instrumental to us being successful.”
Raiders
If the Raiders can clamp down on the Texans’ ground attack, however, that will put a bigger load on Osweiler’s arm – which could be a good thing for Oakland, with Osweiler’s propensity for throwing interceptions and the Raiders’ ability to create turnovers (15 so far).
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ offense has been clicking, with both the running and passing attacks effective. Oakland is No. 6 in the league in passing and fourth in running. The Raiders also have scored 30 or more points the past three games and in four of their past five.
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio says playing on the road in strange surroundings in Mexico City shouldn’t be a problem. He says they’re taking a business-like approach.
“Even in an international setting like Mexico City, which we know will be awesome ... it still comes down to our preparation leading up to playing a good game,” he said.
The Raiders have been made 6-point favorites Monday night. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
