A Season on the Brink: Houston Texans' Season Turns Disastrous with Oakland Loss

The Houston Texans, standing at 1-2, host the Oakland Raiders this Sunday at Reliant Stadium.  There's no point in rehashing, but the Texans are a disappointing 1-2 after getting out-manned by the New York Jets and fumbling victory away against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This game against Oakland means much more than a typical early season game.  If the Texans win, they will even their record at 2-2.  The season will continue.  The Texans will still be able to make the playoffs.  Not all will be lost.  Coach Gary Kubiak won't be fired.

If the Texans lose, however, all bets are off.  Kubiak might not last the season.  Defensive coordinator Frank Bush surely won't last the season.  Whole sale changes surely will result.

This is a must win game.  As big as any game in Texans history.  But, there is still hope.  Thankfully, the Texans play the Raiders this week.

In the past two seasons, the Texans have gone 12-4 at home.  Losing their first two games at home this season has been nothing but surprising.  Hosting the Raiders should cure all that ails the Texans.

I expect the offense, led by Matt Schaub, to continue its aerial assault and put up big numbers.  Oakland's defense is led by Nnamdi Asomugha and plays a physical style.  But the Texans simply have more talent on offense and should score 30 plus points.

Ordinarily, scoring 30 points in the NFL is a harbinger of success, but this Texans team has no ordinary defense.  The Texans are on an historic pace to give up more than 6500 yards.  Things must change, and now. 

Bush and his coaches must figure out a way to slow down opposing offenses.  Again, thankfully, the Raiders are coming to town. 

Granted, the Raiders have an impressive rushing attack.  Darren McFadden and Michael Bush form a potent combination.  But the Raiders quarterback is JaMarcus Russell, he of the 39.8 passer rating.  Russell could go down as one of the all time busts not named Ryan Leaf.

In order to win, and stop me if you've heard this before, the Texans must stop the run.  There is no way the Raiders can beat the Texans without their rushing attack running wild. 

The Texans simply must stop the run.  At all costs.  Dare Russell to throw as much as he wants.  Russell has 4 interceptions this season and only one touchdown pass.  No Raiders has more than 8 receptions.  Tight end Zach Miller is the team's only proven receiving threat, although former Florida Gator Louis Murphy could emerge as a solid NFL player when/if he plays with a competent quarterback.

What does all this mean?  The Texans are simply too good to lose, at home no less, to a team as bad as the Raiders.  If they do lose to Oakland, heads must roll.