NFL: Separating the contenders from the pretenders
Houston Texans (3-1): Pretenders
Well, at least the Texans were able to keep themselves from losing 14 straight after winning their first two games. They took advantage of playing bad teams like Washington and Oakland.
The Texans are 3-1 and in first place in the AFC South. They took advantage of an Indianapolis Colts team that stumbled in their first two games.
This Texans team is winning with smoke and mirrors on offense. They rank 22nd in the league in scoring, 22nd in the NFL in yards and 19th in rushing yards. They have had success on defense, but defense in Houston has not been a problem.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Texans’ quarterback, but he is just a stop gap. When we get to the crux of the season, Fitzpatrick is not the quarterback you want.
Arian Foster cannot be depended on to be the number one anymore. There, I said it. He is an injury risk. He missed half the season last year, and already missed a game this season, and even though he played last week, he should not have played, gaining only six yards on eight carries.
Without a strong quarterback and a question at running back, the Texans will not continue to do this well. There is only so much J.J. Watt and the defense can do. The Colts will eventually catch up and run away with the division.