Broncos @ Texans Preview – Five Steps to Win the Game

Bailey vs. Johnson could decide the game all on its own.

For the two teams playing on Thursday, the playoffs start now. Win or go home.

Mike Shanahan will face against pupil and former player, as well as his son, when the Denver Broncos head to Reliant Stadium to take on the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network. Former Broncos quarterback and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is now the head coach of the Texans, and Shanahan’s son Kyle is an offensive assistant for the club.

Either way the coaching edge goes, this game has “shootout” written all over it. The Broncos hold the slightest edge in offensive yards per game. Neither team’s defense has played consistently this year, and their stats are remarkably similar (the Broncos’ average yards allowed per game is a whopping 0.6 yards less than that of the Texans).

The team that can make a few more plays will come away with a win in Houston this Thursday. Here are five keys to a Broncos victory:

1. Contain Andre Johnson

Is Champ Bailey 100% healthy yet? As hard as it is to admit, our superstar cornerback has been tested, and beaten, this 2007 season, and he’s facing his toughest challenge in a wide receiver since Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne in Week 4. Andre Johnson may demand the double team if Champ isn’t able to keep up with the 2006 Pro Bowler, meaning the Broncos won’t be able to stack 8 in the box like they have on defense for much of the year. I think Champ is finally getting back in his groove and am excited to see two of the most gifted, athletic, speedy players square off on Thursday night.

2. Stop the Texans runners

The Texans are employing the same zone blocking running system that torched the Broncos against the Raiders two weeks ago. It was particularly disappointing for Denver because they had played much better against the run since the bye week and a switch to more 8-man fronts.

The Texans employ a committee of runners, mostly due to injury, and had moderate success against the Buccaneers. Undrafted rookie Darius Walker, a smaller, speedy back, didn’t get going against the Bucs. In fact, none of the Texans runners excelled against Tampa Bay, with ex-Bronco bruising back Ron Dayne struggling to earn what would turn out to be less than 3 yards per carry. However, if Andre Johnson requires a double team, the Broncos will become vulnerable in the running game.

3. Protect Jay Cutler

The Texans are coming off a big win against the 8-win Bucs, and one of their keys to success was pressuring (and sacking) Tampa QB Luke McCown. 2006 1st overall pick Mario Williams is having a good year with 9.5 sacks, 4.5 of those sacks coming in the last three weeks. Last week the Broncos dialed up max protect with tight end Daniel Graham and fullback Cecil Sapp kept inside to help in pass protection; that should be just what the doctor ordered Thursday as well.

4. Selvin for the big plays; Henry for the tough yards

This 1-2 punch seems unstoppable at times. Selvin Young can break a big run anytime, and Travis Henry has been able to pound the rock for the short yardage and goal line plays despite his knee injury. This combination is truly excellent, especially if both can get fully healthy in the future.

5. Be solid on special teams

Some of our biggest special teams contributors – Andre Hall, Paul Smith, and Glenn Martinez – are all healthy again, and they’ll need to be. Particularly on the coverage units – only last week did Houston’s Andre Davis open the second half with a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Last week I was asking the special teams to just, please, not be bad – now I’m asking for a little more. Be good. You need to be to win.

The Texans are not to be underestimated. They scored 28 points against the leading scoring defense in the NFC last week. We will need to play solid football if we are to come away with a win and continue our challenging for the postseason.