Redskins-Texans: In Which We Like Chris Cooley's Chances

Someone's gonna have to score on offense if the Redskins plan to start 2-0

Ah, we love the smell of a cross-conference showdown in the aftermath of a thrilling victory.

The aftermath of the cross-conference showdown, however, might smell a little less sweet. If last week's Arian Foster-led win over the Colts is any indication, this just might be the year it all comes together for the Texans. And if it comes together as soon as 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, that could be bad for the Redskins.

What happened Week 1: Texans
Houston was 1-15 against Indy until unheralded Arian Foster created a nation's worth of suicidal fantasy owners by rushing out of the practice squad for 231 yards and three touchdowns. WR Andre Johnson and QB Matt Schaub barely broke a sweat in the stomp of last year's Super Bowl contenders -- unusual for a pair who typically carry the team. Anomaly, Indy caught unawares, or finally the addition the talented yet incomplete Texans have long needed? 

What happened Week 1: Redskins
A revamping Washington found a way to do what 582 (est.) revamping Washingtons haven't: win. It took a holding penalty and a strip-six, but the new regime got off on the right foot despite unimpressive stats from Donovan McNabb, a new defensive scheme, and a sulking Albert Haynesworth. The Skins don't possess an explosive offense, but we have allowed ourselves to wonder if they've finally nailed a veteran roster that can actually win now.

Historical stat of threatening yet dubious meaning
The Texans averaged a league-leading 9.0 yards on screen passes last year. The Redskins allowed a third-most 8.5 yards per screen pass. They've switched to a 3-4 scheme since then, though, so here's hoping it helps.

More immediate stat of truly threatening meaning
The Redskins gave up 277 net passing yards to the Cowboys last week. Schaub is a similar passer to Tony Romo, and Andre Johnson is a receiver who can make a team pay for that sort of give.

Matchup we like
Chris Cooley has advantage over the Texans' linebacking corps, over-matched now that Connor Barwin has broken an ankle. The Colts' Dallas Clark was able to exploit Houston for 11 catches, 80 yards and a TD last week, and Cooley was a clear favorite target for Donovan McNabb. He may not be Dallas Clark, but he might as well have been against the Cowboys (6 catches, 80 yards). He could have a huge game.

Matchup we like slightly less
Matt Schaub is perfect in his last 4 games against a 3-4 defense. We should probably throw him in a lake to see if he floats.

Quote that probably just doomed the Redskins
"Donovan, that's my guy. I'm rooting for him." -- Michael Vick

Key to a Redskins win
Washington has to stop the run. With Albert Haynesworth not only disinterested at nose tackle, but also hobbled by a sprained ankle, that's a tough assignment. The Redsksins gave up 4.7 yards per carry last week, enough that the Texans may be enticed to stick to their 41-19 run/pass ratio. Still, one good game from Arian Foster doesn't make him Ronnie Brown. It's doable, it just needs doing.

Oh, yeah -- and they're gonna have to actually score an offensive touchdown. Someone pass McNabb a note.

Contact Us