Chiefs-Texans 5 questions with the enemy: Has Houston underwhelmed?

On Saturday, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs face the Houston Texans. We welcome Scott Barzilla of Battle Purple Weblog — our sister SBNation web site protecting the Texans — for 5 Questions with the Enemy.

1) The Texans are 9-5 and a division winner. Is their yr regionally seen as a hit, or have they underwhelmed from lofty preseason expectations?

I’d say via 14 video games they’ve been underwhelming — however not by an enormous quantity. Most individuals pegged them at round 11-6 which is clearly nonetheless doable, however not going given the brutal closing schedule. Nevertheless, watching this workforce week-to-week feels extra underwhelming. Just like the Chiefs, they play lots of shut video games that they shouldn’t and the celebrated offense that was speculated to be there has not been.

2) How has the Houston protection responded to the absence of versatile security Jalen Pitre?

Jimmie Ward has taken his place and completed so seamlessly. Sadly that leaves a again finish of Calen Bullock (5 interceptions) and Eric Murray. Murray is hit or miss, sadly — and that may be robust with a decent finish like Travis Kelce over the center.

3) Who’s an underappreciated Texan on offense you may see enjoying a significant function Saturday?

Everybody is aware of about Tank Dell, however he has not been a featured a part of the offense this yr. Dell and Dalton Schultz have been underperforming. Not less than one might want to come up large on Saturday for the Texans to have a shot to win.

4) What changes have you ever seen defenses make in opposition to C.J. Stroud — and the way has the second-year professional responded?

The Texans are thirty second in pressures allowed and blown run blocks. Not solely are they final however they’re a distant final. On condition that I’m undecided how a lot of his struggles have been him and the way a lot belong to the road. It’s actually each however it can seemingly take an offseason to unpack all of it. I think about that Chris Jones can have his greatest day of the season on Saturday. Stroud has some mobility however he isn’t close to elite in that class so he has been prone to stress up the center.

5) The road has moved a number of instances based mostly on Patrick Mahomes’ perceived standing. How do you see this one enjoying out?

I hate playing in December and January. I wouldn’t contact this recreation with a 39-and-a-half-foot pole. Each groups are seemingly locked into their playoff seeds, so neither has incentive to win in any respect prices. Due to this fact, it’s unattainable to know who rests and for a way lengthy. If Mahomes performs, the Chiefs win — and sure simply. If he doesn’t, it’s a choose ‘em recreation, so I’d nonetheless lean Chiefs since they’re at residence.

You should definitely try the solutions I gave to their questions by clicking right here.