Improving Texans won’t outscore Giants

By Andy Targovnik  |   Thursday, November 02, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Giants
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With their season on the brink of disaster a month ago, the New York Giants have come roaring back, winning their last four games against quality teams and with very little trouble, to boot. So in come the rebuilding Houston Texans to the Meadowlands this Sunday, who have lost 11 straight road games dating back to last year. And while they are getting better, I can't make a case for Houston to win this game - no matter how hard I try.

The Texans have some outstanding offensive skill players. Their receivers are nothing to sneeze at, featuring All-Pros Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds as well as rookie tight end Owen Daniels, who has five touchdown receptions this season.

Although quarterback David Carr was benched last week for ineffectiveness, his overall play has been first rate. Considering the beating he's taken over the last couple of years, the fact that he's even still standing is a testament to his toughness.

It looks like Houston has found a running game, too. After passing on Reggie Bush in the draft, putting Domanick Davis on injured reserve and giving Ron Dayne a shot at the starting halfback job, rookie Wali Lundy took over two weeks ago and has responded, running for 93 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars and 116 yards against the Tennessee Titans.

The offensive line still needs to improve, however. They have already given up 20 sacks and have not seen the likes of Michael Strahan yet. But even if Houston can muster up some points against the Giants, I don't see how in the world it can stop New York's offense.

The Texans allow 135 yards on the ground per game; and unfortunately for them, Tiki Barber's retirement doesn't take effect until the end of the year. Even with Mario Williams playing well as of late, the cornerbacks don't have the size or skill to stop Plaxico Burress, and with only 12 sacks on the year, Houston doesn't have enough of a pass rush to make Eli Manning rush his throws, which is the way to get him off his game.

Barring the Giants committing a bunch of careless turnovers, there is only one other way I can see Houston even having the minutest chance to win Sunday: Big Blue would have to be napping, perhaps looking ahead to their Sunday night matchup against the Chicago Bears next week.

But say the words "trap game" in front of Tom Coughlin at your own risk. "We don't think about that at all," Coughlin snapped at reporters. "This next game is our most important game on our schedule, okay? I don't even want to entertain questions about that. They (Houston) are a talented football team."

New York's schedule has been brutal so far and doesn't get any easier after this week. So I can't imagine that these Giants, whose goal is to win the Super Bowl, will let this win get away from them.

Get the latest New York Giants insight at RealFootball365.com
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