Green Bay Packers – Houston Texans Preview
The Green Bay Packers will play host to the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field. This will only be the second meeting between these two teams. The first took place in Houston back in 2004.
Green Bay will sport an altered lineup on Sunday. The Packers signed former New York Jet Jeremy Kapinos on Wednesday to replace punter Derrick Frost. This lefty has shown exceptional promise in practice. His first punt sailed 50 yards, which is longer than any of Frost’s punts this season. Frost was let go from the Packer organization Monday after the atrocious game against the Carolina Panthers.
Scott Wells, who suffered from a concussion, is expected to start at center against Houston. After Wells was knocked out of the game against the Panthers, the offensive line was shaken up a bit, with right guard Jason Spitz moving the center and rookie Josh Sitton filling the spot at right guard.
The Packers aren’t the only ones switching things up for Sunday’s game. The Houston Texans will welcome Matt Schaub back as starting quarterback. Schaub hasn’t started a game since the second of November when he injured his left knee against the Vikings. Schaub felt well enough during Monday night’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars to backup his replacement, Sage Rosenfels.
Long-time Texans long snapper (since 2003!) Bryan Pittman was suspended on Tuesday after violating the league’s steroid policy. Pittman was one of six players suspended by the NFL on Tuesday. He will be suspended for 4 games. He will be reinstated on December 29, which happens to be the day after the regular season comes to a close. His replacement is Clark Harris, a former Rutgers player drafted by the Pack back in 2007, who will suit up for the first time against his former team.
The Texans are expected to favor the run, especially with Matt Schaub making his first start in what feels like an eternity. The Packers’ defense has struggled this season, especially against the run, giving up an average of 140 yards per game. Texans running back Steve Slaton, who ran for 130 yards and made 2 touchdowns on Monday night, will feature heavily in the Texans’ offense attack.
Both teams are 5-7 and third in their respective divisions. Sunday’s game will be a test for both the Packers and the Texans. The Packers need to find some way to heal the wounds inflicted on their special teams and solidify their defensive line. The Texans need to realize the potential limitations of starting with Schaub, especially in unfavorable weather conditions.
Tags: Green Bay Packers, houston texans, NFL, preview
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