Houston Texans

Behind Enemy Lines: Talking with the Toro Times

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Catching up with Toro Times writer James McSwain about Sunday’s game in Houston to get a view from a Texans perspective.

Fansided’s Houston Texans site – Torotimes.com – was kind enough to answer a few questions about the upcoming game between Detroit and Houston. I asked about big-money free agent Brock Osweiler, former 1st-overall pick Jadeveon Clowney and more. Here’s what Toro Times writer James McSwain had to say.

Matt: Despite some mediocre play from quarterback Brock Osweiler, how have the Texans managed to win four of the first six games?

James: Some good defense and weak opponents. The Bears hardly qualify as an NFL team anymore and then defense won the day against Kansas City. A couple turnovers allowed the Texans to fend off a late rally by the Titans and the Colts choked really hard two weeks ago at Houston.

Matt: What is the local perception of the Osweiler signing, particularly after that Denver game?

James: There were some people that were not so excited about the Osweiler signing (me among them) and now their skepticism is looking more and more valid. Of course, the internet is a lovely place full of jokesters and they have teed off on Osweiler recently. But most people now are saying he’s overpaid and not worth it.

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) rolls out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) applies pressure during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Matt: How is Jadeveon Clowney looking this season?

James: Clowney is actually playing really well. He is really good against the run, despite playing as a 3-4 DE instead of OLB. What he lacks in size he makes up for in determination and athletic ability.

Matt: What’s going on with the DeAndre Hopkins, and do you think his struggles will continue?

James: He has no chemistry with Osweiler. That, and the secret is out about how good he is so people are paying a lot more attention to him. Often when Osweiler is in trouble he lobs it up and hopes Hopkins can bail him out, and it has led to the most interceptions in the NFL when targeting one receiver.

Matt: Matthew Stafford hasn’t thrown an interception in three games, and the Lions are 3-0 in those games. Do you see that streak ending against a talented Texans defense?

James: That’s a tough one. The Texans have one of the deepest secondaries in the league, and that depth is sure being tested right now. Kareem Jackson, Johnathan Joseph and Quintin Demps have all been battling injuries this season, as has nickel corner Kevin Johnson. But A.J. Bouye has been a breakout player this season, and I think he could get a pick off Stafford in this one.

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller V (15) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Matt: Why does it seem like Osweiler has favored rookie receiver Will Fuller over a perennial Pro-Bowler like Hopkins?

James: Back to question four for a second, I think teams paid a lot more attention to Hopkins and it allowed Fuller to get deep on teams. But in addition to injuries teams are more prepared for the deep threat. Also, really conservative play calling recently has been curbing the rookie’s chances deep.

Matt: Where is an area you think the Lions could expose?

James: On offense, the Lions should spread out the Texans and test the depth of the secondary, because the Texans get no pass rush outside of Whitney Mercilus. On defense the Lions should bring the blitz, because Osweiler has been so gun shy under pressure this season.

Matt: Game Prediction?

James : This game seems so even to me. When I am unsure I go with the better quarterback. Lions 24, Texans 20.

Check out ToroTimes.com for more Houston Texans news! Thanks to James McSwain!

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