SB Nation Houston - Texans vs. Ravens: Houston faces Baltimore after first loss of seasonhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46691/houston-fave.png2012-10-19T16:30:44-05:00http://houston.sbnation.com/rss/stream/32754392012-10-19T16:30:44-05:002012-10-19T16:30:44-05:00Matt Schaub wants to beat the Ravens
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Texans quarterback Matt Schaub is going to try to break their 0-6 franchise record against the Ravens.</p> <p>In the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>' 11-year existence, they are 0-6 against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>. But Texans quarterback <span>Matt Schaub</span> is looking to break that losing streak this Sunday. Schaub feels that beating a team the Texans never have before is a step that the team must take if they are going to improve as a franchise.</p>
<p>Schaub spoke with John Kryk after Thursday's practice, specifically about the <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.canoe.ca/krykslants/sports/not-yet-beating-ravens-is-a-big-deal-schaub/">importance of getting a win against the Ravens</a>:</p>
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<p>"It's just like a couple weeks ago - we beat the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a>, and we hadn't ever beaten them as a franchise," Schaub said. "If we're going to do things around here that we want to do as a team, and as an organization, we're going to have a lot of ‘firsts' - a lot of things that we haven't done before.</p>
<p>"Yeah, we haven't beaten this team - especially lately (two losses last year). So we need to go out and correct that this week."</p>
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<p>Last year, the Texans played the Ravens twice, losing both games. The most recent loss was in the AFC Divisional playoff round where the Texans fell 20-17, and Schaub was unable to play in that game due to injury. Schaub was in the lineup for for the 29-14 regular season loss last year.</p>
<p>The difference this time around is that the Texans will be hosting the Ravens this time around, and that could be the difference. This Texans team is possibly the best team in franchise history in their short existence, but getting past the Ravens will still be tough as each team is 5-1 and has the best record in the AFC.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2012/10/19/3527912/texans-ravens-matt-schaubJeremy Mauss2012-10-18T11:49:09-05:002012-10-18T11:49:09-05:00Fantasy Football - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
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<figcaption>Chris Trotman - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Will recent Ravens injuries give a boost to Texans players in fantasy football?</p> <p>For over a decade the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> have been known as one of the best defensive teams in the league. During that time, when your fantasy football player faced the Ravens, most people opted to bench their players, even star players. Things have changed this season and its time fantasy owners start adjusting their strategy. I'm not saying that they've become the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>, but they shouldn't be feared like they once were. The perception may still be that the Ravens are an elite defensive team, but in this case, perception is not reality. The Ravens were already struggling on defense this season, now with two significant injuries to deal with, their slide isn't likely to stop anytime soon. Before you set your lineup, check out the week seven edition of start 'em/sit 'em.</p>
<p><b>Start:</b></p>
<p><span>Arian Foster</span> - Even in a game where he rushed for a season low 29 yards, Foster still managed to have a good fantasy game with 15 points after finding the end zone twice. Foster has arguably been the most reliable running back in fantasy football over the last three seasons and I expect another big game from him on Sunday. Foster will face a Ravens defense this week that ranks 26th against the run, allowing nearly 140 yards per game. Baltimore gave up a franchise-worst 227 rushing yards last week and will miss <span>Ray Lewis</span> and <span>Lardarius Webb</span> for the remainder of the season. Foster is a must start.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> Defense - It can't be worse than last week for the Texans who got torched by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>. This week they'll face a good offense, but not a great offense. The Ravens rank in the top 10 in offensive yards, but they haven't played as well on the road; particularly <span>Joe Flacco</span>. On the road this season the Ravens have a 1-1 record and are averaging 16 points and 311.5 yards per game; at home they're 4-0 and averaging 32 points and 421 yards per game. The Texans rank in the top 10 in points allowed, rushing yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and sacks; they're an elite fantasy defense. There are a few reasons for concern, namely stopping <span>Ray Rice</span> and <span>Torrey Smith</span> running by a dinged up <span>Johnathan Joseph</span>, but with the game at home I expect the Texans to score double digit fantasy points.</p>
<p><span>Shayne Graham</span> - The veteran kicker made his first attempt from over 50 yards last week and has been very consistent overall this year. Through six games Graham has made at least one field goal and scored at least seven points in each game. The Ravens may allow the Texans into the red zone, but have just enough to hold them to a field goal; kickers facing the Ravens have averaged nine points over the last two weeks.</p>
<p><span>Owen Daniels</span> - He didn't find the end zone against the Packers for the first time in three weeks but I'm optimistic about his chances to post good numbers this week. The Ravens rank 22nd in passing yards allowed and are missing two major players off of their defense. Last week <span>Jason Witten</span> totaled six catches for 88 yards receiving; I expect similar numbers from Daniels this week.</p>
<p><span>Andre Johnson</span> - I've been down on him the last several weeks but I think he'll have a good fantasy game this week. <span>Matt Schaub</span> targeted Johnson 12 times last week, numbers close to what he saw during his prime, so maybe he'll start to be a bigger factor in the offense. The Ravens rank 22nd against the pass this season and gave up a huge game to <span>Dez Bryant</span> last week who had 13 catches, for 95 yards, and two touchdowns. In their playoff game last year Johnson had eight catches for 111 yards against the Ravens, and that was with Lardarius Webb on the field. Without Webb, Johnson should have a big game.</p>
<p>Matt Schaub - As I mentioned for Daniels and Johnson, the Ravens rank 22nd against the pass this season and are without two of their better defensive players. I don't think Schaub is a must start because the Texans could go run heavy and take the ball out of his hands, but he's a top option as a bye week replacement or if your other quarterback has a tough matchup.</p>
<p><b>Sit:</b></p>
<p><span>Ben Tate</span> - Last week the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> backup, <span>Felix Jones</span> had 92 yards rushing and a touchdown. The Ravens rush defense is certainly bad enough to allow Tate to rush for enough yards to make him worthy of starting, but even in blowouts Tate hasn't gotten as many carries as you would expect. In their blowout win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>, Foster still received carries with a 21 point lead and less than six minutes to play. I'm not sure why Kubiak decides to wear down his star with a big lead and a good backup available, but that's what has happened so far.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Walter</span>/<span>Keshawn Martin</span> - This duo has averaged 44 receiving yards per game this year, combined. They're simply not targeted off to warrant playing on your fantasy team.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2012/10/18/3519082/fantasy-football-houston-texans-week-seven-start-em-sit-emBrian McDonald2012-10-17T08:51:10-05:002012-10-17T08:51:10-05:00Houston-Baltimore top game of Week 7
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<figcaption>Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Houston, Baltimore meet in perhaps Week 7's premier matchup.</p> <p>The Houston Texans' first loss of the season came in embarrassing fashion last Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers. They'll look to wash that taste out of their mouths against a beaten-up Baltimore Ravens team Sunday afternoon in a matchup of two one-loss teams.</p>
<p>The Ravens-Texans matchup is perhaps the premier game on the Week 7 NFL slate. The Texans have established themselves as one of the league's best teams, a perch Baltimore is very familiar with. The Texans have never beaten the Ravens, which includes Baltimore's win over Houston last January in the playoffs.</p>
<p>The Jets meet the Patriots and the Steelers face the Bengals in other games with big AFC implications. Elsewhere in the AFC South, Tennessee plays at Buffalo, Indianapolis hosts Cleveland and Jacksonville plays at Oakland.</p>
<p>Here's the rest of the Week 7 NFL slate. All times are Central:</p>
<p><b>Thursday's game<br></b><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> at <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a>, 7:20 p.m., NFL Network</p>
<p><b>Sunday's games<br></b><a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> at <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, noon, CBS<br><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> at <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>, noon, FOX<br><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> at <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, noon, CBS<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> at <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, noon, FOX<br><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> at <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>, noon, FOX<br><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, noon, FOX<br><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> at <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, noon, FOX<br><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> at <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, noon, CBS<br><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a>, 3:25 p.m., CBS<br><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> at <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, 3:25 p.m., CBS<br><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> at <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, 7:20 p.m., NBC</p>
<p><b>Monday's game</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> at <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>, 7:30 p.m., ESPN</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/texas-a-m-aggies/2012/10/17/3516030/nfl-schedule-2012-week-7-texans-ravensKevin Jeffers2012-10-16T11:52:33-05:002012-10-16T11:52:33-05:00Houston Texans Forecast
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<figcaption>Patrick McDermott - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Texans bounce back after a tough loss?</p> <p>One of the marks of a great team is the ability to find a way to win even when not playing at their best; the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> showed that ability last Monday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>. Another mark of a great team is the ability to put a bad loss behind them, move forward, and take care of their next opponent; we'll see how the Texans deal with that test this Sunday. The Texans have a chance to deal the beat up <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> another blow and put some space between themselves and the other AFC contenders. The Ravens and Texans are the only two AFC teams with five wins; no other team even has four wins. If the Texans win on Sunday, that would put them up basically two games by being up one game in the standings and also owning the tiebreaker. This game on Sunday is more important than the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> game last week. If they were to lose one of these tough games before the bye week, which I think we all thought they would if we were honest, then winning the game against Baltimore was more important with its potential effect on playoff tiebreakers and eventual seeding.</p>
<p>Here's what to watch for:</p>
<p><b>Run, Run, Run</b></p>
<p>Last week the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> rushed for 227 yards on 5.4 yards per carry. The week before that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> ran for 214 yards on 4.3 yards per carry; what happened to the Ravens run defense? Through six games this season the Ravens rank 26th in rushing yards allowed per game, 24th in rushing touchdowns allowed, and 19th in runs over 20 yards allowed. <span>Haloti Ngata</span> isn't getting the same push and penetration, <span>Ray Lewis</span> isn't getting off his blocks, and now they have injuries to deal with. The Texans haven't run the ball very well this season with the exception of the Jets game, but I think they'll have a big day on the ground on Sunday.</p>
<p><b>Which Flacco Shows Up?</b></p>
<p>The Ravens offense has been very different on the road vs. when playing at home. Take a look at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FlacJo00/splits/2012/">2012 home/road splits</a> of <span>Joe Flacco</span> as proof.</p>
<p><b>Home</b> - 67.1% completions, 317.8 passing yards per game, 7 touchdowns/2 interceptions, 106.6 QB rating, 9 yards per pass attempt.</p>
<p><b>Road</b> - 50.7% completions, 209.5 passing yards per game, 1 touchdown/2 interceptions, 62.4 QB rating, 6 yards per pass attempt</p>
<p>In 2011 his splits weren't as drastic but as a team the Ravens were only 4-4 on the road compared to a perfect 8-0 record at home. For whatever reason, Flacco and the Ravens aren't the same team outside of Baltimore. Part of their problem on the road has been pass protection. In their last road game, a 9-6 win over the Chiefs, the Ravens offensive line gave up four sacks. Overall this year the Ravens rank 23rd in sacks allowed. Any issues in pass protection will likely be exposed against a Texans defense that ranks seventh in sacks including 9.5 from NFL sack leader <span>J.J. Watt</span>.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2012/10/16/3508248/houston-texans-forecast-early-preview-of-the-baltimore-ravens-gameBrian McDonald2012-10-16T10:42:51-05:002012-10-16T10:42:51-05:00Tim Jamison out for the season with Achilles tear
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<figcaption>Grant Halverson - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The primary backup defensive end for the Texans suffered a torn Achilles against the Packers.</p> <p>The season is over for Texas defensive end <span>Tim Jamison</span> after <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/DE-Tim-Jamison-out-for-season-with-torn-Achilles/abe1d53f-83f6-476d-8505-2e5291d83bc3">he suffered a torn Achilles tendon</a> late in the first quarter against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> on Sunday night.</p>
<p>A rotational player behind <span>J.J. Watt</span> and Antonio Smith, Jamison had contributed a single sack during the 2012 season and finished 2011 with two sacks in a similar, rotational role. Jamison originally signed with the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texans</a> as an undrafted free agent and spent time on the team's practice squad in two seasons before earning a full-time role on the active roster.</p>
<p>Filling Jamison's role as the primary back-up defensive end will likely be rookie <span>Jared Crick</span>. A fourth-round pick out of Nebraska, Crick hasn't yet recorded a sack in his career, but has tallied four tackles, including two against the Packers on Sunday.</p>
<p>With the loss of Jamison, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak told reporters that the team will need to sign another defensive end and hinted at it being <span>David Hunter</span>, a rookie on the Texans practice squad.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2012/10/16/3511648/tim-jamison-injury-houston-texansAdam Stites2012-10-16T09:42:00-05:002012-10-16T09:42:00-05:00Texans host banged-up Ravens on Sunday
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<figcaption>Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The Texans host a banged-up Ravens team in Week 7.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> won't have much time to stew on their embarrassing 42-24 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> last Sunday night, as the team turns around to host the 5-1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in Week 7. Still, the Texans could take advantage of a depleted Ravens' defense and bounce back from their first loss of the season, <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/10/mcclain-the-texans-are-still-in-a-good-position-at-5-1/" target="_blank">as the Houston Chronicle writes</a>.</p>
<p>The Ravens lost linebacker <span>Ray Lewis</span> and cornerback <span>Lardarius Webb</span> for the season in their 31-29 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, and could also be without nose tackle <span>Haloti Ngata</span>, who has a torn MCL. Ngata's status is up in the air.</p>
<p>It could be the perfect time for the Texans to get their first-ever win over the Ravens. Houston is 0-6 all-time against Baltimore, including 0-3 in the past two seasons. The Ravens eliminated the Texans in the AFC Divisional round last season, 20-13, in Baltimore.</p>
<p>The Ravens and Texans kick off at noon CT on Sunday. The game will be televised by CBS.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2012/10/16/3511348/texans-ravens-nfl-2012-previewKevin Jeffers