Looking Ahead To Week 3: Texans at Broncos

Now that the Denver Broncos schedule has been released, we are going to take a game-by-game look at the regular season that the Broncos have in front of them.

The Denver Broncos host their first afternoon game of the season when the Houston Texans come to town. The Texans are coming off games against the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team went 10-6 in 2011, but they lost their last three regular season games. They skidded into the playoffs beating the Cincinnati Bengals in the wildcard round and then lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

The last time the Broncos and Texans played each other was in December 2010. The Broncos won 24-23 behind Tim Tebow’s 308 yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.

Last season the Texans were 11th on offense (2nd in rushing and 18th in passing). Obviously, their strength lies in their running game with Arian Foster. Once things balance out they could be one of the top ranking offenses in the league.

On defense, the Texans were ranked 4th in points allowed (17.4) and they had a 3rd ranked passing defense and a 4th ranked rushing defense. Mario Williams left for Buffalo, but they still retained a lot of key starters.

Some moves they made in free agency include losing right tackle Eric Winston and tight end Joel Dreeseen (who was signed by the Broncos). Of course, losing Williams was a huge hit. They acquired Bradie James from the Dallas Cowboys, but his best days appear to be behind him.

Early Prediction: Broncos – 27 Texans – 17. This is the game where things really click for Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense. Manning can pick apart the Texans defense while the Broncos defense can apply a lot of pressure to Matt Schaub who is playing from behind.

Texans’Leaders in 2011:

Matt Schaub – 178-for-292 (61.0%), 2,479 passing yards, 15 TDs, 6 INTs. 

Arian Foster – 1,224 yards (94.2 yards per game), 10 TDs, 5 Fumbles

Owen Daniels – 54 receptions, 677 yards, 3 TDs

Brian Cushing – 114 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INTs

Jason Allen – 4 INTs, 45 tackles

Connor Barwin – 11.5 sacks, 47 tackles

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