Atlanta Falcons vs. Houston Texans: Common Sense Is Better Than Statistics

When standing back and looking forward to the Atlanta Falcons game against the Houston Texans this Sunday, it is easy to get all caught up in the statistical comparisons of these closely matched teams.

Both teams are great against the run, and both teams have great running games. Atlanta has the best quarterback, and Houston clearly has the best defensive backs.

In fact, you would think by looking at the statistics that the Texans have the best defense overall.

All this seems right until you dig a little deeper. The Texans have only beaten one quality opponent in eight wins, the Pittsburgh Steelers.  They lost to the Baltimore Ravens and have beaten a host of mediocre teams, most of which will not even make the playoffs.

I know that you can only play the teams on your schedule, but that is also the way to get thoroughly confused by the statistics.

The Falcons are now playing like a great team. Their past five games have statistically been far better than the first part of the season.

I think that the Houston hype machine is a little out of control when they think a third-string quarterback can do anything against the tough Falcons defense, even without Brent Grimes.

If Atlanta's offensive line can protect Matt Ryan, the Houston Texans are not built to keep up without Matt Schaub. Atlanta is poised to take charge as they head toward the best game of the regular season against the New Orleans Saints! (sorry, but I am allowed to peek ahead!)