The Houston Texans announced their 2020 NFL schedule on Thursday evening and it came with a few surprises.
As expected, the Texans start things off with the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of the 2019 divisional playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium. However, the Texans then go home to host the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium, the AFC North champions who bested Houston 41-7 last year. Then, the Texans go on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers before going home and taking on the Minnesota Vikings.
My initial reaction to the Texans schedule, particularly Weeks 1 thru 4, is did the NFL punish the Texans for something the Astros did?
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) May 7, 2020
It is the first time since 2005 that an NFL team will face the previous two years’ MVPs. Incidentally, the Ravens were that last team.
The #texans are the 1st team since the 2005 #ravens schedule to face the last 2 MVPs in Weeks 1 & 2 (Mahomes, Jackson)
– 2005 Ravens faced Peyton Manning & Steve McNair (lost both games)
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) May 8, 2020
The Week 4 game against the Vikings has a bit of Texans history attached as Gary Kubiak and Dom Capers are both part of Mike Zimmer’s staff in Minnesota. The two were the first two coaches in Texans history.
John Harris on Texans All Access pointed this out a few minutes ago. When the Texans host the Vikings, the three head coaches in team history will be there: Dom Capers, Gary Kubiak with Minnesota and Bill O'Brien.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 7, 2020
Houston could be lucky to get out of September with a winning record given their first four opponents went a combined 44-20 in 2019.
Without question, this is the toughest first month of the season in Texans franchise history. The first two opponents finished a combined 26-6 last season. The first four went 44-20.
It's an opportunity, but daunting — especially for first-year DC Anthony Weaver and Bill O'Brien— John P. Lopez (@LopezOnSports) May 8, 2020
#Texans schedule thoughts:
– 2-2 would be an amazing start
– Poor Anthony Weaver. Limited help this offseason and KC and BAL 1st two games.
– Ben early, Bears and Bengals late bad breaks.
– 3rd 1/4 of season is when you should eat. https://t.co/vHldQn3usp— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) May 7, 2020
Defensive end Charles Omenihu is excited for the opportunity as he enters his second season.
Our schedule is lit !!
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) May 8, 2020
One puzzling part of the Texans’ 2020 slate is the dearth of primtime games. Technically, they have two nationally televised games with the Thursday night opener in Week 1 and then the Thanksgiving tilt with the Detroit Lions. However, that is just two “big games” for a two-time AFC South club that features a two-time Pro Bowler under center in Deshaun Watson.
And yet the Texans get just two…. https://t.co/USYujVXi9h
— Anthony Wood (@arwoodNFL) May 8, 2020
Deshaun Watson not having any SNF or MNF games is strange.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) May 8, 2020
Coach Bill O’Brien keeps things in perspective via Fox 26’s Mark Berman. The coach and general manager is taking it one day at a time as the nation overcomes the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bill O’Brien on the schedule being set, but having to be flexible due to the pandemic: pic.twitter.com/ftBbWQpnid
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 7, 2020
Omenihu speaks for everyone looking forward to September, and really life in general.
Corona don’t mess this up !!
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) May 8, 2020
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