Monday Night Football: Rare Big Game for Texans

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Since joining the NFL as an expansion team in 2002, the terms "big game" and "Houston Texans" have rarely gone together. Times are changing however, as the Texans head into Monday night's game against the Tennessee Titans. This is arguably the biggest game in the franchise's short existence.

At 5-4, the Texans are in position to compete for a wild card playoff spot. This is the latest in a season that the Texans have been over 500 in team history. A win over the Titans would go a long way in proving that the Houston is for real.

A trendy pick to make the playoffs before the season began, Houston struggled early in the year, but has come on strong winning 3 of 4 heading into Monday night. The quick reaction is to give credit to the offense for the team's recent success. With players like Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, you have to give the offense their due respect, but the defense has also been impressive.

Prior to their bye week last Sunday, the Texans came close to upsetting Colts in Indy. The defense limited the Colts to 20 points, and if not for a missed 42 yard field goal by Kris Brown as time expired, the game would have gone to overtime. With a recent injury that has sidelined tight end Owen Daniels for the year, and with Steve Slaton's turnover issues, the defense may have to continue its strong play if the Texans hope to make the postseason.

Things will not get much easier for the Texans this week, as they get to face arguably the best running back in the NFL in Chris Johnson. After staring the season 0-6, the Titans have caught fire, and have now won three straight. The team may be undefeated since Vince Young took over for an ineffective Kerry Collins, but the real reason for the turnaround is Johnson. During the last 3 weeks, Johnson has rushed for almost 500 yards, and added over a 100 receiving yards during that span. If not for the Titans poor overall record, you could argue that Johnson has been the league MVP.

There is no doubt that if Houston is going to win, it all comes down to stopping Johnson. If they do not, then it may be the same old Texans we have seen the past few years - a team loaded with potential, but always seems to fall short of a winning season. It is time for Houston to start living up to its preseason hype.

Look for the Texans to limit Chris Johnson and get the win behind their defense. This is almost like a playoff game for Houston. Win a few more wins, the Texans may be able to take part in a playoff game for real.

Prediction: Texans 28 Titans 24