Houston Texans: Looking Ahead to Week 3 Against Rival Dallas

There wasn't a team in the NFL as happy about their start than Houston. A win against the Colts who've had their number in the past was huge.

The Texans have seen leads on the Colts disappear at the hands of Peyton Manning. They had the entire offseason to prepare for that game, and the Texans seemed to have a plan for beating the Colts. They came out more physical and, pounded the Colts' defense with the run.

The Dallas Cowboys started with long-time rival Washington. This was tightly contested battle, that was basically lost by horrible play-calling by the Cowboys.

The preseason isn't a big deal, teams are trying to prepare the team for the season, the wins and losses aren't a major factor. As long as the young talent is properly evaluated it's a successful preseason.

The Cowboys struggled throughout the preseason. That wasn't a big deal until the flat preseason Cowboys showed up to start the season. With arguably the most talent in the league, something is wrong in Dallas.

For three quarters the Texans' defense abused the high-scoring Colts. When they went into the film room to analyze the Redskins game against Dallas, they couldn't have possibly expected what what they saw.

If the Texans were expecting the same Washington team that only had 250 yards versus the Cowboys that's what lead to the 17 point deficit. Donovan McNabb made some incredible passes and had 426 yards passing on the day.

In the third quarter the Texans found themselves in a 27-10 hole. The run heavy Texans team that beat the Colts wouldn't be able to mount a comeback. The Texans would have to pass to win.

Matt Schuab last year's leader in passing yardage, opened up the arsenal, passing for 497 yards. They cut the lead 27-20 with the Redskins going for a field goal that could put the game away. When the Texans blocked that kick momentum was with them.

Houston failed to benefit from winning the coin flip when their drive sputtered. Like it or not, Kubiak iced Washington kicker Graham Gano. Giving Houston the chance to drive the field and win. 

Being down by 17 points in the third quarter, many teams would've given up. I think the win against the Colts made them believe it was possible. When things get tough down the road Houston will have confidence from these first two games.

The Texans are hoping to catch the Cowboys while their down. I know we haven't seen the best from the talent on that team. They'll figure it out but, will it be against the 2-0 Texans?

Wade Phillips knows if he can beat Houston the questions will subside. There is a sense of urgency that should motivate the Cowboys to get it turned around. The defense is better than the 27 points they allowed the Bears on Sunday.

The Texans jammed it with Arian Foster in Week 1. In Week 2 they pulled off a 20-point comeback by passing. This would be tough to prepare for even if the Cowboys were playing well.

Jay Cutler went 21 of 29 with 277 yards and three touchdowns. If Dallas wants to avoid going 0-3 their pass defense must improve. Matt Schuab will take full advantage of the defense that played Chicago on Sunday.