5 burning questions for Rams vs. Texans in Week 8

[theramswire.usatoday.com]
5 burning questions for Rams vs. Texans in Week 8


Cameron DaSilva
October 30, 2021 4:59 am PT

The Rams are gearing up to visit the Texans in Week 8, a matchup between two teams that are heading in opposite directions. The Rams have won three straight, while Houston has dropped its last five without Tyrod Taylor.

The Texans are in a complete rebuild and lack talent on both sides of the ball, even more so than last week’s opponent, the Lions. Is there any reason for the Rams to be concerned heading into Sunday’s game?


We preview this matchup with Mark Lane of Texans Wire, asking him five big questions.

1
What’s been the biggest issue with the Texans’ offense?
Mark Lane — The fact they can’t run the ball. The Texans generate 3.3 yards per carry, the lowest in the NFL. It isn’t at all helpful for a rookie quarterback, who frankly is not the most dynamic of his draft class. The entire offense is dependent on Davis Mills to move the football, which doesn’t happen at all on the road. Maybe it happens at home, but the Week 3 results in the 24-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers and 25-22 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5 present a variable result. It is all on Mills, and he doesn’t have the skills or complementary pieces to do so.


2
Besides Brandin Cooks, who is an offensive player the Rams must account for?
ML — Rookie WR Nico Collins is good at catching passes of 20 yards or more, even with Mills under center. Tight end Pharaoh Brown has some downfield threat abilities. Their deep threat is supposed to be receiver Chris Conley, and he was for a little bit when Tyrod Taylor was the quarterback, but has tapered off during the Mills tenure.


3
Can Houston at least be competitive when Tyrod Taylor is at QB?
ML — Yes, and the Week 2 tilt with the Cleveland Browns proved it. Of course, they dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars 37-14 until the Jags got a garbage touchdown with five seconds left in the game, making it 37-21. Taylor was opening it up downfield and also had an understanding of using his athletic ability, not to scramble, but buy time to find the open man downfield. Maybe they don’t beat the Buffalo Bills or the Arizona Cardinals, but they certainly don’t lie down to the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, or give away the Browns game. Houston didn’t have to be the No. 33 overall team in the power rankings (Bishop Sycamore may be better right now), and that leads to the frustration from Houston fans.

4
Who has been a standout on defense for the Texans?
ML — Safety Justin Reid has two interceptions. Second-year defensive end Jonathan Greenard leads the team with 6.0 sacks. Defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, another second-year player, has done a nice job up the middle. The same can be said for rookie sixth-round defensive tackle Roy Lopez. A guy who can make plays, but also be the subject of getting burned, is safety Lonnie Johnson, who leads the team with three interceptions.

5
What’s your prediction for Sunday’s game?
ML — The Texans are giving snaps to younger players, making 2021 a glorified roster evaluation. Meanwhile, the Rams must amass as many wins as possible to stay competitive in an elite NFC West that features an undefeated team on top. The Texans may have a trick play on Halloween, but Los Angeles treats themselves to their seventh win. Rams 33, Texans 9