Game 2 Recap | Young Fan Takes In Game | Show Your Pens Pride | Text Alerts | More

Tale of the tape

Week 6: Green Bay Packers At Houston Texans

Packers

Texans

The Packers are struggling badly through the first five games of the season. The team that dominated a year ago can’t play with any consistency at this point. Aaron Rodgers is coming off a 3-TD effort in the Week Five loss to the Colts, but he has not found the rhythm that he had last year the Packers are questioning some of the play calling.	Quarterback	Matt Schaub continues to win basically every time he steps on the field. He’s not considered one of the game’s elite quarterbacks, but he has a great rapport with his receivers, he throws the ball accurately and he reads defenses expertly. Schaub has a chance to raise his status this year by taking the Texans deep into the playoffs.
The Packers had no problem lighting up the scoreboard last year even though they had no running game. This year, the lack of the running game is having a negative impact on their ability to throw the ball effectively. Wide receiver Greg Jennings has not been healthy this year and that has hurt the team badly. The offensive line has not protected Rodgers well.	Offense	The Texans can attack in any number of ways. Start off with running back Arian Foster who is a dominating runner and a capable receiver. Wide receiver Andre Johnson is healthy this season and he is probably the best receiver in the AFC. Owen Daniels is a dependable third-down weapon who caught a TD pass in the Week Five win over the Jets.
The Packers lack consistency on defense, but they have one of the most dangerous players in the game in Clay Matthews. When they turn Matthews loose, he can be a devastating sack monster. Charles Woodson provides leadership in the secondary and has plenty of guile and skill, but he has lost a step and can’t cover the fastest wide receivers.	Defense	The Texans have raised their game dramatically because they have become one of the best defenses in the game. They are led by J.J. Watt, who is capable of taking over a game. Through the first five games of the season, Watt has 8.5 sacks. He also batted down three passes in the 23-17 win over the Jets.
The Packers are struggling in this area of the game. Normally dependable Mason Crosby missed both of his field goal attempts against the Colts and that played a key role in the upset loss. Tim Masthay is a decent punter. Randall Cobb has plenty of speed and is a big threat returning kicks.	Special Teams	The Texans are solid on special teams. Placekicker Shayne Graham may not be a star, but he has made 10-of-11 FG attempts this season. Donnie Jones does not have a big leg, but he is a solid directional kicker who knows how to place the ball.

The winner is

Texans

4 out of 4

The Packers are going through some difficult times. Their once-spectacular offense is struggling to find its rhythm and there are complaints about Mike McCarthy’s strange play calling. On the other hand, the Texans are playing like a potential Super Bowl team and they should rise to the occasion of playing at home on Sunday night.

More Tales of the tape

NCAA Championship Game: #1 Louisville Vs. #4 Michigan
Rick Pitino has been here before, after making his 7th Final Four appearance, he’s now in his third go-round in the title game. He’s got plenty of experience on the big stage and he has the Cardinals playing high level basketball at the right time.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Vs. Neil Diamond: Who Takes The Trophy For Better Entertainment?
For years, both Neil Diamond and the Super Bowl Halftime show have been giving us, let’s say, mild overproduction (read: glitzy, flashy, and potentially unnecessary). So who’s got the edge between these two cheesy industry mainstays?
Harbaughs Vs. Baldwins: Which Pair Of Siblings Stand Out?
Harbaughs vs. Baldwins? Wow. What a battle! Let’s dig deep to see which pair of brothers has the upper hand.