Tag: Houston Texans

Report: Texans not planning to hire a general manager for the 2020 season

The Houston Texans will not hire a general manager in 2020 according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Houston Texans may continue with a “business as usual” approach to their front office, which currently has a general manager vacancy, is ran by a five-man council, and is considerably influenced by coach Bill O’Brien.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Texans are not planning to hire a general manager, even after the 2019 season is over.

Sources say that the Texans plan to continue this offseason and beyond with their current personnel structure rather than hire a true general manager in title. Coach Bill O’Brien has final say, though he essentially works with the team’s executive vice president of team development Jack Easterby to be in charge of football operations.

The Texans have some of the other general manager duties split up between Easterby, player personnel director Matt Bazirgan, and vice president of football administration Chris Olsen, who is technically the interim general manager, and currently manages the team’s salary cap situation.

The council of general managing has worked well for Houston to this point as they boast a 7-4 record, first place in the AFC South, and have done so with bold trades to shore up key positions. The trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil on Aug. 31 may have been a season saver as the club did not have any viable option to protect Deshaun Watson’s blindside other than oft-injured veteran Matt Kalil and first-round rookie Tytus Howard, who is now on injured reserve.

Houston also traded for running back Carlos Hyde, who has been a great replacement for starter Lamar Miller, who went down in the third preseason game with a torn ACL.

The Texans have also gotten younger at the cornerback position by trading for Gareon Conley with the Oakland Raiders prior to their Week 8 encounter, and also adding Vernon Hargreaves leading up to Week 11 at Baltimore.

Houston fired Brian Gaine as general manager on June 7, days before the club opened mandatory minicamp.

Report: Nick Caserio no longer in the mix for Texans’ GM job

Where might Nick Caserio land?

New England Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio doesn’t seem to be the leading candidate for the Houston Texans’ opening at general manager. The Texans aren’t going to hire anyone, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Houston will stick with what they’ve got: Coach Bill O’Brien (and acting general manager) and executive vice president of team development Jack Easterby. They have been managing the team’s personnel decisions over the last season since they tried and failed to pursue Caserio during the 2019 offseason. That hiring process ended after the Patriots filed tampering charges.

Some thought Easterby might have tampered with Caserio during the Patriots’ ring ceremony in New England this summer. Belichick, however, said this week that the tampering had nothing to do with Easterby.

Caserio is set to be a free agent next offseason. His contract will expire in 2020. Of course, the Patriots could retain him with an extension. But it’s possible that he is interested in taking over the general manager role outside of New England, where he has a bounty of responsibilities but — as far as we know — ultimately defers final decision-making to Belichick.

[vertical-gallery id=75081]

Could J.J. Watt return if the Texans make the playoffs?

The Houston Texans could get a monumental boost to their defense if defensive end J.J. Watt is able to return for a playoff run.

If the Houston Texans make the playoffs, could they get a boost from their face of the franchise?

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Texans are saving their last injured reserve/designated to return spot for defensive end J.J. Watt, who tore his pectoral muscle in Week 8’s win over the Oakland Raiders. As soon as that Sunday evening, Watt declared he was done for the year.

If the Texans are able to get back Watt for the playoffs, it would be a big boost for the club emotionally. Houston will need all the help they can get. With a 7-4 record, the Texans are currently slated as the third seed in the AFC. Houston would be a home wild-card team that would have to battle their way as the road team in the divisional round to reach their first AFC championship game and the city’s first since 1979.

Before Watt went down with his presumed season-ending injury, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year collected 24 tackles, 4.0 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and three pass breakups in eight starts.

Report: Patriots use a separate plane for sick players in travels for Week 13

Preventative measures.

The New England Patriots have had a tough time keeping their player healthy over the last week. The flu in in Foxborough. In an obvious effort to quarantine the ill players, the Patriots have put their sick players on a separate plane. The healthy players, meanwhile, are getting plenty of preventative care, according to NFL Network.

The Patriots listed 18 players on their injury report on Friday, with 10 players dealing with an illness. Tight end Ryan Izzo was ruled out on Friday with the illness. Tackle Marcus Cannon, who was the first Patriot to pop up on the injury report with sickness last week, missed Week 12 and is questionable (along with his other ill Patriots) for Week 13 against the Texans in Houston on Sunday night.

That list of 17 questionable players (between injuries and illness) includes three of the Patriots starting linebackers (Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy); three of their starting receivers (Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu and Phillip Dorsett); two of their starting cornerbacks (Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty); two of their starting tackles (Isaiah Wynn and Marcus Cannon); and two of their best special teams players (Nate Ebner and Matthew Slater).

[vertical-gallery id=75081]

Is betting against the Texans a smart move for Week 13?

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots square off on Sunday Night Football. Is going against the Texans the safe bet to make for Week 13?

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots square off for a Sunday Night Football affair that features one of the faces of new quarterback play in Deshaun Watson versus the old guard at signal caller in Tom Brady. Though the Texans are 7-4 and have not beaten the 10-1 Patriots since a meaningless Week 17 game at the end of the 2009 season, there is a sense of optimism that Houston could take down New England.

Michael Colangelo from the Touchdown Wire is not buying it, and advises bettors to take the Patriots at -3 (-120) over the Texans.

If there were any time in the history of this rivalry — on-sided rivalry — for the Texans to win this game, it’s this Sunday night. The problem for the Texans is that the Patriots are coming in hot on defense and probably angry on offense.

This will be the first week in the past three that the Patriots are playing in good weather since the game will be in a dome. It also doesn’t help that the Houston defense hasn’t been good since J.J. Watt went down.

Everyone is saying that the Patriots may struggle with Deshaun Watson since he’s a mobile quarterback, but they’ve played mobile quarterbacks outside of Lamar Jackson and done just fine.

Bill O’Brien is 0-5 against Bill Belichick. If you want to bet that will change, feel free. I won’t be doing it.

O’Brien, along with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and Dolphins coach Brian Flores, are the only former Belichick assistants to not get a win against their old boss.

The Texans have come close in each of their last two contests against the Patriots with a 36-33 loss in Week 3 of 2017, Watson’s second career start, and a 27-20 loss in Week 1 of the 2018 season. If nothing else, the Texans should keep it close and have a chance to win the ballgame.

Texans have to play to the echo of the whistle against the Patriots

The Houston Texans can’t let up even one bit during a play against the New England Patriots, who boast an opportunistic defense.

The Houston Texans face off against the New England Patriots Sunday night at 7:20 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium in what is considered a litmus test for where the first place AFC South club ranks against the best of the conference.

Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly knows what makes the Patriots a tough team to face, especially their defense, which is the second-best defense in the NFL and also the most proficient at creating takeaways with 29 on the season.

“They’re very disciplined, they’re very well coached,” Kelly told reporters on Wednesday. “They play hard to the echo of the whistle, all 11 of them, and they’re very opportunistic. They take advantage of your mistakes. They’re lighting the world on fire when it comes to creating turnovers right now, and they’re doing a good job of capitalizing, like I said, when people make mistakes. That’s really the reason why they’re playing really well right now.”

Houston is tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 13th-fewest turnovers in the NFL with 14. In the Texans’ past three games, they have committed at least one turnover. For the Patriots defense, they have created at least one takeaway in every game this season, including six against the New York Jets in Week 7.

If the Texans can’t avoid the Patriots defense procuring extra possession, then the Houston defense will have to limit New England’s point production off those turnovers or create a few themselves. In 2019, the Texans are 5-3 when they are even or minus in turnover differential compared to 2-1 when they win it outright.

New England’s lone loss of the season, a 37-20 affair against the Baltimore Ravens, saw the first place AFC East club finish even with the Ravens in the turnover battle with each side collecting two takeaways. Houston similarly will have to stay even or better in the turnover department to give themselves a chance for victory.

Texans versus Patriots: Anybody picking Houston in Week 13?

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots square off for a Week 13 encounter on Sunday Night Football. Is there anyone taking the Texans?

CBS Sports (Cody Benjamin): Patriots

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin is siding with the Patriots in a close battle. He has the Texans losing due to the vaunted Patriots defense and a Houston secondary that is not quite healthy yet. Nonetheless, the fans at NRG Stadium will be entertained.

Said Benjamin:

“The Patriots aren’t going to get a cakewalk in Houston, where Deshaun Watson alone should keep things interesting. But is anyone actually prepared to bet on Bill O’Brien over Bill Belichick? New England’s defense is strong enough to keep the score relatively low, and Houston’s secondary is still banged up enough for Tom Brady to finally build some momentum. It’ll probably stay close for much of the evening, but this one should be the Patriots’ to lose.”

Result: Patriots 27, Texans 22

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Patriots vs. Texans: Time, TV schedule and how to stream online

How to watch Patriots vs. Texans

The New England Patriots (10-1) will hit the road in Week 13 for a Sunday night matchup against the Houston Texans (7-4).

New England is heading into the matchup with limited practice snaps due to the flu spreading throughout the team. The Patriots listed 17 players as questionable on Friday and they’ll have to fight through the sickness to continue their AFC dominance. The Patriots have depended mightily on the defense and special teams unit, but Sunday night could be the time that the offense starts to click.

The Texans will look different without J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on the field, but they still have Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins. One of the more interesting matchups of the night will include Stephon Gilmore and Hopkins. Gilmore hasn’t allowed a catch in two consecutive weeks and he’s looking to continue that trend against one of the best receivers in football.

Here’s how to watch:

Game information:

New England Patriots vs Houston Texans

Sunday, Dec. 1, 8:20 p.m. ET

NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

Streaming:

Live stream: fuboTV (try it free).

Television channels:

NBC

NBC 10 Boston

Broadcasters:

Al Michaels  (play-by-play)

Chris Colinsworth (play-by-play)

Michelle Tafoya (sideline)

Radio:

Westwood One

98.5 The Sports Hub

Weather:

67 degrees

[vertical-gallery id=74890]

New England Patriots at Houston Texans odds, lines, picks and best bets

Previewing the New England Patriots at Houston Texans Week 13 match up, with NFL betting odds, lines, picks and best bets

[jwplayer hNcDD0TW]

The Houston Texans (7-4) host the New England Patriots (10-1) during Sunday Night Football at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET. We analyze the Patriots-Texans odds and betting lines, while providing sports betting picks and tips around this key AFC matchup.

Patriots at Texans: Week 13 preview, betting trends and notes

BetMGM BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL

BET $1, WIN $250 in free bets if ANY NFL team scores a touchdown Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Bet now and win!
Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

  • This matchup is owned by the Patriots historically, as they’ve won the past eight matchups and are 10-1 in the history of the two teams meeting. Their most recent game was in 2018, when the Pats won 27-20.
  • The Patriots have won their past two games, but the offense has struggled, scoring 30 combined points over the past two games.
  • The Patriots beat the Dallas Cowboys 13-9 in their last game.
  • Houston has won three of the last four and just squeaked past the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 in their last game.

Patriots at Texans: Key injuries

Patriots CB Jason McCourty (groin) has been ruled out; the Pats have a ton of players listed as questionable, with QB Tom Brady (elbow) and WR Julian Edelman (shoulder) the most noteworthy. Both are expected to play. WRs Mohamed Sanu Sr. (ankle) and Phillip Dorsett II (concussion) remain questionable, too.

Patriots at Texans: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday, Dec. 1, at 1:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Patriots 22, Texans 20

Moneyline (?)

As usual, the PATRIOTS (-162) are the favorite to win, but not with the same level of certainty from the oddsmakers as usual. Houston is +135. The juice is worth the squeeze here on the Patriots, as the tax isn’t very high for a regular favorite.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Patriots returns $6.17 profit with a victory.

Against the Spread (?)

Houston (+3.5, -129), 5-6 against the spread (1-4 at home), is being spotted 3.5 points, and that hook is as dangerous as ever. This will be a close game. The Patriots (+105) just can’t put teams away lately, as their offense is lacking playmakers and Brady hasn’t been crisp — he’s completed less than 56% of his passes in three of his last four games.

This spread is too close for me to bet on with the Pats struggling offensively. I’d AVOID. If you’re feeling the Texans, but the moneyline instead, where you have a better value.

Over/Under (?)

The Patriots are 3-8 vs. the O/U and 1-5 vs. it on the road, while Houston is just 1-4 vs. the O/U at home (4-7 overall). The under is generally a safe play for New England, but you’re going to be flirting with trouble here considering the 44.5 line in place. Roll with the UNDER (+120) again, but only do a small-unit wager here as confidence is low with a very solid line in play.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Ryan’s NFL Picks: 27-13

Follow @RyanBonini and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Texans RT Tytus Howard placed on season-ending injured reserve

The Houston Texans suffered a blow to their offensive line on Saturday, as they announced right tackle Tytus Howard will be placed on injured reserve.

Houston Texans right tackle Tytus Howard has gone from doubtful to officially out for Sunday’s bout with the New England Patriots.

On Saturday, the Texans placed the 2019 first-round pick on injured reserve.

The No. 23 pick from Alabama State, Howard suffered a partially torn MCL against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. He returned in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, only to see his season ended before Week 13.

Howard practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week before Houston dubbed him “doubtful” for Sunday Night Football.

Before his placement on the injured reserve, Howard had performed admirably as the starting right tackle. In eight games (all starts), he has allowed two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

Backups Roderick Johnson and Chris Clark are candidates to start in his place. Johnson, 24, has started two games at the position. Clark, 34, was signed after Howard’s injury in Week 6. He has started two games on the season.

Johnson and Clark split snaps at left during in the wake of Laremy Tunsil’s Week 9 out designation for a shoulder injury. Each played 34 (50%) snaps in the win, with Clark earning the start.

The Texans have been clamoring for continuity at offensive line. The hope was that Howard would join (left to right) Laremy Tunsil, Max Scharping, Nick Martin and Zach Fulton to give Deshaun Watson a complete grouping heading into December football.

“Any time you can have (Laremy) Tunsil and (Tytus) Howard at tackle, and (Max) Scharping and (Zach) Fulton at guard, Nick Martin at center, that’s a pretty good group and that’s good continuity. So, hopefully we can have that this week,” said Bill O’Brien on Nov. 11.

That continuity will be no more. Instead, the Texans will hope to field a line with a backup at right tackle while attempting to lure themselves back into contender status.