This Sunday’s gridiron matchup against the Houston Texans marks the midway point of the season for the Denver Broncos. At 6-2, the Broncos sit atop the AFC West and are winners of five in a row. While
the offense was able to shred the woeful defense of the Dallas Cowboys, their Week 9 opponent boasts one of the National Football League’s best defenses.
Under the leadership of Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, the Houston Texans have won back-to-back AFC South titles. In his third season leading the Texans, they’ve struggled to hit their stride especially on offense. However, the have been absolutely dominant on defense and are still in the playoff chase despite a 3-4 record.
Some may say, “Well they haven’t played many good offenses.” That’s true, but on a week-to-week basis, they are still executing at a high level. When it comes to points allowed and yards allowed, the Texans are best in the NFL. They are tied for the fifth-most takeaways with 11 on the season—eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Opposing quarterbacks struggle to move the ball through the air and even their run defense has been stout up front.
It’s difficult to pinpoint any area of weakness they have on that side of the ball. Though red zone defense might be the most alarming of note, but one could say having to defend short fields due to their struggles on offense has played a role in their low ranking there. Nevertheless, they are a formidable unit that will present quite the challenge for the Broncos’ rising offense.
Our beloved orange and blue are riding the highs of a thrilling victory over the Cowboys. It was an incredible effort where their offense put up 44 points on the board. When you factor in the miraculous fourth quarter against the New York Giants and Denver has scored an eye-popping 77 points in the last five quarters of play. Fans should be encouraged by the Broncos’ offensive trajectory going in the right direction. Nevertheless, should exercise some caution for this weekend’s game.
Make no mistake about it, this Texans’ defense is for real and ferocious. They will certainly be the biggest test for Bo Nix and his teammates to date. Their secondary is playing lights out and they’ve got an athletic group of players who absolutely swarm to the football. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are one of the league’s best edge rusher duos and know how to get after the quarterback.
I’m interested to see what kind of game plan Head Coach Sean Payton cooks up for the offense. The offensive line is going to have to play their best in order to help Denver get their seventh win of the season. If I were Payton, I’d build upon the team’s recent success rushing the ball. In enemy territory on the road, winning the time of possession battle and sustain drives will be mission critical to achieving their seventh win of the season.
How about you, Broncos Country? How would you like to see Denver’s offense attack Houston’s defense? What do you think would be most successful against such a well-rounded unit? Let me know in the comments section.
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for your enjoyment.
