Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Bucs: 4 Second-Half Keys to Victory for Houston

Is America ready for the division-winning Houston Texans?

In a down year for the AFC South, Houston came into this game with a two-game lead in the divisional standings. Today's game in Tampa Bay represents an opportunity for the Texans to prove they're for real on the road against a quality NFC opponent.

So far, so good as the Texans are taking it to a listless Bucs team.

Here's what Houston should do to stay in control of the game.

Keep control of the line of scrimmage

Both Houston and Tampa are run-first teams with superstar feature backs. Houston's odds increase exponentially if they can keep Arian Foster involved, and hold Tampa's LeGarrette Blount under 100 yards.

Houston is also helped immeasurably by the emergence of Ben Tate as a quality option who can give Foster a breather now and then. Tampa doesn't have the same depth.

Look for Gary Kubiak to double down on the run in the second half, and to continue to crowd the box on defense and force Josh Freeman and Tampa's young WRs to beat him.

Step up the pressure on Freeman

If Houston can continue to perform on offense, they can make Tampa abandon the run in the second half.

Once that happens, it's open season on the relatively statuesque Freeman. Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips should dial up the pressure in the second half. Give Freeman happy feet. Keep him from targeting Mike Williams and the rest of the Tampa receiving corps downfield, and hunt for the knockout blow.

Playing on the road is no time to get conservative.

Find creative ways to get the ball to Foster and Tate

Now that Houston has a lead, it's time to pound the ball. But if Houston gets predictable with its play-calling, Tampa will eventually figure out a way to stop the run. Houston should continue to mix in some pitches, screen plays and short passes to Tate and Foster.

That way they can keep the ball in bounds, but also keep the Tampa defense off balance.

No big plays

The only way Tampa is going to make a run at this game is to hit on a few long passes. We've seen Tampa complete one bomb to Arrelious Benn.

Another couple of those (and a touchdown or two), and Tampa will start to have hope. Even as Houston focuses on pressuring Freeman, the corners should play off the Tampa receivers in the second half.

Don't allow anyone to get behind you.