Matthew Emmons- USA Today Sports
The Houston Texans schedule has set up perfectly this weekend to end a devastating three-game skid. Fresh off losses against the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks and San Fransisco 49’ers, a visit from the St. Louis Rams (2-3) may be just what this team needs to get back on track.
Houston QB Matt Schaub, who’s struggles have been much talked about in recent weeks, should have to do very little to cruise on Sunday. RBs Ben Tate and Arian Foster should take the brunt of the load against the Rams who are 29th in the NFL at defending the run, allowing 126 yards a game.
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Schaub’s journey to gaining confidence and getting his head right has to begin this weekend. He’ll be asked to do very little, simply protect the ball (an aspect he’s had tons of trouble with through five weeks).
Schaub needs to be in a much better place next week when the Texans travel to take on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs heading into the bye-week. We will know much more about the shot this team has to contend after these two games. If the Texans head into the bye at 4-3, they will be very much in it with two matchups remaining against the AFC South leading Indianapolis Colts.
While neither of these games are truly “must-wins”, they are as close as you can come to having one this early in the season. The Texans need to enter the bye above .500 to honestly feel good about their chances.
If you could pick a defense for Schaub to face to begin to rebound from the start to his 2013 season, the Rams would certainly be on the short-list. The Texans should have no problem dispensing St. Louis at home this weekend and improving to .500 on the season.
Jason Weingartner is a Houston Texans writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.
