Texans players, including QB Matt Schaub (8), look in disarray at the scoreboard during Houston’s 42-24 loss to the Packers on Sunday. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
If anyone was leery of a Houston Texans letdown in 2012, they now have some cold-hard proof to go with their theory, as the Texans were defeated 42-24 at the hands of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.
The Texans fell behind early to the thought-to-be struggling Packers and played a meager first half that ended with a 21-10 score in favor of the Pack.
Houston fell from the ranks of the undefeated with this loss.
Now before we go any further, let’s remember one thing: Green Bay is better than its record says they are. Aaron Rodgers is one season removed from winning the NFL MVP award. And this team has been in “the Super Bowl conversation” for the last four years straight.
Does this excuse a poor performance on the part of the Texans?
No.
But it does provide a little perspective.
Houston is still a young, in-experienced that has some learning to do. They have the balance, the talent, and the leadership that they need to do big things. A very smart, more mature team just happened to get the best of them in this one.
The usually explosive, high-energy offense of the Texans looked unorganized and out of sorts against the Packers’ defense. Matt Schaub, who has played nearly mistake-free, threw two interceptions, was sacked three times, and just looked frustrated throughout the game– especially in the third quarter.
Houston’s defense had hardly given up anything all year, but gave up six touchdown passes to Rodgers who played his best game of the year by far. Three of those went to Jordy Nelson.
The Texans’ defense did not make the adjustments they needed to in this game. The secondary is definitely not as bad as the numbers indicate, but rather the team defense was turned around and fooled by the prepared and efficient Packers.
Arian Foster managed two scores for the Texans but was held to only 29 yards on 17 carries for an average of 1.7 yards per carry.
If there was any positive to take away from this game it was that Andre Johnson eclipsed the 10,000 yard mark– the sixth fastest to that mark in NFL history.
Another takeaway from this game is that the Texans can now learn from this loss. Losing always hurts, and it’s even worse when a winning streak is on the line, but the Texans chances to win the AFC South have in no way been diminished.
The question now is: how will the Texans respond going forward from here?
We’ll find out next week, when Houston welcomes in the Baltimore Ravens.
Great perspective….This loss is not a reason to freak out about the team. It’s just a huge learning opportunity.
Yeah, every team can have a down day. But there was no visiibly agressive anything from the texans in this game.blocking,(or lack of it) by the offense line, just look how beaten even joseph was on a lot of plays,penalties galore,it seemed green bay could run or pass at will and expect better than good results. Then again, i still say houston quarterbacks are the most consistent roof inspectors houston has . they spent a lot of their career looking at it. Been a houston fan since 1962 and some things never change? If this is how it is without cushing what in the world will happen, if JJ gets injured? surely, andre’s wife has a problem with the muggings the game officials allow.on him