Bill O’Brien: Inconsistency is holding the Texans back

The Houston Texans have beaten good teams and lost to bad ones. If they want to be a good team, that isn’t going to cut it, as Bill O’Brien explains.

On Sunday, the Houston Texans had the prime opportunity to show off their chops and extend a pair of wins into a three-game winning streak.

They folded, losing to the Denver Broncos 38-24, dropping their record to 8-5, and their AFC South first place spot hanging in the balance.

In Weeks 12 and 13, Houston beat good teams in the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. Both were in the playoffs in 2018; both also beat the Texans in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have not been to the playoffs since 2015, starting a rookie quarterback in their second game, aren’t a playoff team in 2019, and handily thrashed the Texans.

Though still on track for the postseason, the Texans’ loss was a disheartening one. They can play up to their opponents and play down to them.

“We’re not consistent,” said coach Bill O’Brien after the loss.

Though the Texans lost by two scores, it wasn’t that close. They entered halftime down 31-3. A handful of scores against a more lackadaisical defense doesn’t mask the truth that Denver took their lunch money.

“Again, I feel like we — you know, I feel like we have a ton of consistent people on the coaching staff and on the team, but we don’t play consistently. We have more wins and losses this year, but I think that’s a fair criticism of this team. That’s a reflection of the head coach. We’ve got to get the team to play more consistently,” concluded O’Brien.

Houston is consistent in some fashion, however. Each of their five losses has been rebounded with two wins. At that rate, the Texans will lose in the AFC Championship, theoretically losing to the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.

The Texans, if they are serious about contending, must find that consistency they so desperately seek. Losing to bad teams are the typoes on an otherwise great resumé the Texans have composed with their wins over good teams.

Rams still just a game behind Vikings after beating Seahawks

With their 28-12 win over the Seahawks on Sunday night in Los Angeles, the Rams improved to 8-5 on the season. 

With their 28-12 win over the Seahawks on Sunday night in Los Angeles, the Rams improved to 8-5 on the season.

That puts them just a game behind the 9-4 Vikings for the final wild card spot in the NFC.

Per FiveThirtyEight, the Vikings have a 73 percent chance to make the postseason, the Rams have a 36 percent chance and the Bears have a three percent chance. Of course, the NFC North is still a possibility for the Vikings.

The remaining schedule probably favors the Vikings, but it’s close.

Here’s how both teams close out the season:

Vikings: @Chargers, vs. Packers, vs. Bears

Rams: @Cowboys, @49ers, vs. Cardinals

It should make for an interesting final three games for both teams.

Both play in the late afternoon on Sunday in Week 15, so there will be plenty of scoreboard watching for both fanbases.

9 things we learned from Sunday’s Week 14 games

Jimmy Garoppolo showing critics that he can win a big game highlights Touchdown Wire’s list of nine things we learned from Week 14.

On paper, Sunday’s slate of games for Week 14 looked like the best of the season. In reality, that’s how it turned out.

The day was highlighted by San Francisco against New Orleans, Baltimore and Buffalo and New England against Kansas City. All three of those games had major playoff implications. All those games lived up to their hype and several other contests were surprisingly exciting.

Let’s take a look at nine things we learned from Sunday’s games of Week 14:

9. The Rams need to keep using Todd Gurley

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

In a move that is likely a precursor of things to come, the Rams used more of running back Todd Gurley than they have most of the season in Sunday’s victory against Seattle. Gurley got 23 carries (second only to his season high of 25 carries against Chicago) and four receptions. His production wasn’t spectacular with 79 rushing yards and a touchdown and 34 receiving yards. In a well-planned move, the Rams had been limiting Gurley’s touches to protect his knee most of the season. But the plan all along was to unleash Gurley when it came to the drive for the postseason. That time is now. A relatively high dose of Gurley allows the Rams to effectively use play action to help Jared Goff and the passing game. With the Rams at 8-5 and fighting for a playoff spot, Gurley will likely get a similar number of touches the rest of the way.

In a move that is likely a precursor of things to come, the Rams used more of running back Todd Gurley than they have most of the season in Sunday’s victory against Seattle. Gurley got 23 carries (second only to his season high of 25 carries against Chicago) and four receptions. His production wasn’t spectacular with 79 rushing yards and a touchdown and 34 receiving yards. In a well-planned move, the Rams had been limiting Gurley’s touches to protect his knee most of the season. But the plan all along was to unleash Gurley when it came to the drive for the postseason. That time is now. A relatively high dose of Gurley allows the Rams to effectively use play action to help Jared Goff and the passing game. With the Rams at 8-5 and fighting for a playoff spot, Gurley will likely get a similar number of touches the rest of the way.

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Instant analysis of Rams’ commanding 28-12 win over Seahawks

The Rams were in control of this one from the first quarter to the last.

The Rams only had one win over a team above .500 entering Week 14, but they doubled that number on Sunday night. With the 10-2, NFC West-leading Seahawks coming to town, the Rams needed a win to stay a game behind the Vikings in the wild-card race.

They handled their division rivals in prime-time, beating Seattle 28-12. It was by far their best win of the season, and one that put the rest of the conference on notice. The Rams are getting hot at the right time, both offensively and defensively.

They scored 21 unanswered after falling behind 3-0 early, and the only touchdown Seattle scored came on a pick-six thrown by Jared Goff. The offense will be in the spotlight more for finding a rhythm finally, but the defense has been excellent outside of the games against Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

Here’s our analysis of the game, which was the Rams’ second straight win by double-digits.

Player of the game: Tyler Higbee

Higbee has been more heavily involved on offense lately, posting his second straight 100-yard game. He caught seven passes for 116 yards and did a good job blocking, too.

Stat of the game: 0

The Rams allowed zero sacks in this game and Goff was rarely even under pressure. He had plenty of time on play-action passes and although rollouts helped him and the offensive line, the unit did a great job as a whole.

Game notes

  • Sean McVay got more creative with his play calling, and for the most part, it worked. There were a lot of rollouts for Jared Goff, a few end-arounds for Josh Reynolds – which picked up first downs twice – and even a trick play. The trick play with Cooper Kupp throwing a pass to Tyler Higbee came at the wrong time, though, with it being third-and-7. The pass fell incomplete and on the next play, Greg Zuerlein’s field goal was blocked.
  • The Rams clearly want to get Todd Gurley more involved as the season winds down. He had 23 carries against Seattle, picking up 79 yards and a touchdown with another 34 yards receiving. He’s done a nice job with a bigger workload in the last month, helping to balance the offense.
  • Jared Goff’s numbers don’t tell the whole story. He had two interceptions, but the first was on a miscommunication with Robert Woods and the second was on a deep shot on third down, which worked similarly to a punt. Yes, it was a turnover with the Rams at Seattle’s 37-yard line, but it was inconsequential, really. He played well in this game, making very few mistakes against a secondary that has craeted plenty of turnovers this season.
  • The defense was outstanding in this game. It only allowed six points to the Seahawks with the other six points coming on an interception return. Russell Wilson was contained, and while Seattle rushed for 106 yards on only 21 carries, that’s a very low total for the league’s third-best team on the ground.
  • Jalen Ramsey allowed a catch on third-and-22, but the secondary more or less limited Seattle’s passing attack. Tyler Lockett only had 43 yards on four catches, while DK Metcalf had 78 yards – 35 of which came on one play.
  • The pass rush was relentless, sacking Wilson five times. Those were divided up with Aaron Donald and Dante Fowler Jr. recording 1.5 each, and Samson Ebukam sacking Wilson twice. They were all over the quarterback throughout the game.

Report: DJ Chark leaves locker room with boot and scooter after loss to Chargers

The Jags could have a big injury on their hands involving their No. 1 receiver DJ Chark Jr.

The Jacksonville Jaguars not only suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers, but they could have a big injury to deal with afterward. Per ESPN beat reporter Mike DiRocco, receiver DJ Chark was seen leaving the locker room in a protective boot while using a scooter.

Chark sustained the injury around the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter after catching a pass from rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II and trying to advance the ball upfield. Chargers defensive back Jaylen Watkins made a tackle on him and it appeared as though Chark injured his ankle due to making the extra effort for more yards. The trainers came to look at him on the field afterward and he limped to the sideline. He then was helped to the locker room and didn’t return with a questionable ruling.

Chark has been one of the Jags’ top playmakers this season and casual fans have also taken notice to his solid season, too. He was on his way to a 1000-yard season (finished with 956 Sunday), but it appears he may have to miss some time with just three games left. Then again, if the injury is severe enough the Jags might as well sit him for the season as the playoffs aren’t within reach.

Instant analysis of Seattle’s 28-12 loss to Los Angeles

The Seattle Seahawks fell into the fifth seed of the NFC after an ugly loss to the Rams in Los Angeles, 28-12, on Sunday Night Football.

A sloppy game on both sides of the ball saw the Seattle Seahawks fall to the Los Angeles Rams, 28-12, on Sunday night.

The Seahawks are now 10-3 on the season and in fifth place in the NFC – with a playoff spot still not a guarantee.

It was a particularly ugly first half for Seattle, especially on defense. The Seahawks allowed Rams quarterback Jared Goff to complete 15 passes, on 18 attempts, for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Seattle’s offense really wasn’t any better, only mustering a field goal on the opening drive and otherwise being held scoreless.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Seahawks lost running back Rashaad Penny to a knee injury early in the game, and he did not return.

The defense picked things up in a big way in the third quarter, with two interceptions by free safety Quandre Diggs – including a pick-six – allowing Seattle to crawl back into the game.

However, the offense never found their rhythm, and while the defense did their best to keep things close, Los Angeles eventually found the end zone again with about 11 minutes to go, and their lead remained insurmountable.

The loss knocked the Seahawks down to the fifth seed in the extremely top-heavy NFC. With three games remaining, including one against San Francisco (11-2) in Week 17, Seattle can’t afford to come out sloppy again the rest of the season.

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Tyler Ervin revives Packers’ punt return, races past potential record

New Packers returner Tyler Ervin ran back four punts for 51 yards on Sunday against the Redskins.

The Green Bay Packers came into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins with -8 punt return yards, with a long return of only three yards and the NFL record for fewest punt return yards in a season looming over the entire group.

Those worries evaporated during a mild December day at Lambeau Field.

Newcomer Tyler Ervin, who was claimed off of waivers on Tuesday and immediately inserted as the team’s new primary returner, got the Packers out of the hole and set a new season long on his first return on Sunday against the Redskins – and he wasn’t done there.

Ervin returned four punts for 51 yards, bringing the Packers to 43 total punt return yards on the season – 16 more than the NFL record of 27 – and helping spark a fast start on offense.

In fact, three out of Ervin’s four returns set the Packers up at midfield or in Washington’s territory. The fourth put the Packers at their own 43-yard line. The offense scored touchdowns after two of the returns in the first quarter, creating an early 14-0 advantage.

Ervin’s returns covered 10 yards, 12 yards, 18 yards and 11 yards, in order.

The Packers needed the boost. Trevor Davis, Darrius Shepherd and Tremon Smith all took their turns returning punts. The trio returned nine punts but produced just two returns gaining a yard or more. Shepherd lost a fumble. Smith fumbled at the end of a 3-yard return last Sunday in New York.

Ervin confidently made catches on booming punts from Tress Way and wasted no time getting up field to gain positive yardage. And credit special teams coach Shawn Mennenga and all the blockers on the field – Ervin was provided the space necessary to catch the football and operate with the ball in his hands. For much of the season, the blocking on returns just hasn’t been good enough. On Sunday, it was.

The Packers took a chance on Ervin, a fourth-round pick of the Texans in 2016, when the Jaguars released him late last week. He brought past experience returning punts and kicks to the table, including over 1,200 total return yards in the NFL and five return touchdowns while in college at San Jose State.

It’s only one game, but Ervin has already revived a punt-return team that was barrelling towards an NFL record through the first 12 games of 2019. The record is now well in the rear-view mirror.

WATCH: Grant Williams, Kara Lawson take in a UConn women’s basketball game

Boston Celtics rookie Grant Williams and assistant coach Kara Lawson take in a UConn women’s basketball game against Notre Dame in Storrs, Connecticut.

The UConn-Boston Celtics connection got a little bit stronger Sunday night as rookie forward Grant Williams and Celtics assistant coach took in a home game for the UConn women.

The pair, who both happen to be Tennessee alumni, a historic rival in women’s NCAA basketball play, made the 90-minute drive from Boston to support a local basketball powerhouse that just so happens to be the alma mater of All-NBA Boston point guard Kemba Walker.

The duo were also present to support a number of Lawson’s Team USA 3-on-3 tournament players in attendance for the tilt, which pitted the No. 4-ranked Huskies against Notre Dame (UConn would win the matchup 81-57).

According to Williams, he was, “just trying to see some better basketball”, and as those who follow the team know well, there are few outfits in the women’s collegiate game who can compete with Connecticut season-to-season in that regard, Notre Dame being a rare exception.

Williams wants to see more support for women’s programs, and a game pitting two historic programs against one another while also serving as a scouting opportunity is certainly a great way to do so.

Watch the video above for more details about why the pair made the trek, taking time out of their busy Celtics training schedule to soak in some hoops in Storrs, Connecticut.

Gardner Minshew sets rookie franchise passing TD record during loss to Chargers

Wins have not been prevalent for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they at least were able to set a notable record Week 14. Just as he’s done all year, rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II was able to add another franchise record to his résumé. This …

Wins have not been prevalent for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they at least were able to set a notable record Week 14.

Just as he’s done all year, rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II was able to add another franchise record to his résumé. This time it was the rookie record for touchdown passes, which occurred in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers No. 4 ranked passing defense.

With 5:48 to go in the quarter, Minshew eluded the entire Chargers defense and hit tight end Nick O’Leary wide open for a 12-yard touchdown. While the touchdown didn’t mean much in the total outcome of the game, it did impact the franchise’s history books.

The Jaguars continued their franchise record breaking success from last week where Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen set the rookie franchise sacks (nine) record and running back Leonard Fournette set the single season record for most receptions by a running back (63).

Unfortunately, that success did not translate to the score sheet as the Jaguars fell to the Chargers by a score of 45-10.

Watch: Todd Gurley hits Tre Flowers with vicious stiff-arm on TD run

Todd Gurley would not be denied.

The Rams have been giving Todd Gurley more opportunities lately and it’s worked beautifully. He once again eclipsed 20 carries on Sunday night against the Seahawks and his 20th was one of his best.

With the Rams 7 yards from the end zone, Gurley took the handoff and punched it in for six points – stiff-arming Tre Flowers to the turf en route. It was one of the best stiff-arms this season, keeping Flowers from making the tackle.

With that touchdown, Gurley moved up to 76 yards rushing on the night, adding another 34 yards receiving to give him 110 yards from scrimmage. He’s had an extra pep in his step the last month or so and the Rams are rightfully riding the hot hand.