Bandwagon fans? No ‘train riders’ sought
When the Texans were winless after three games, many wrote them off and dismissed this as another lost season.
The Texans had other ideas, though. They went on a nine-game winning streak and won 11 of their final 13 games to finish 11-5 and win the AFC South.
They aren’t seeking any fans who want to jump on the proverbial bandwagon now that they’re in the playoffs — the sixth team since 1980 to make it to the postseason following an 0-3 start. Especially those who still wonder about their ability to win an AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday against the Colts at NRG Stadium.
“Look, we were 0-3,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “I’ve always said how much I love the Houston fans. All I can tell you is we’ve gone 11-2 over the last 13 weeks. This team is one of the few teams to come back from 0-3 and to qualify for the playoffs and win the division.
“We have a tough football team. We have a lot of guys that care about each other and play hard. We’re not looking for train riders. We’re looking for the loyal fans that have been with us the whole time. We’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”
Joseph hopeful of playing
One of the most durable and toughest players in franchise history, Texans veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph rarely misses a game.
He was held out of a win Sunday over Jacksonville because of a neck injury suffered a week ago against Philadelphia.
However, there is optimism that Joseph could be back Saturday against Indianapolis.
“That was a tough decision,” Texans coach Bill
O’Brien said. “We met with the doctors and J-Jo. J-Jo, he’s just a great guy. He’s been doing this a long time. We felt like any time you’re dealing with injuries, no matter what type of injury it is, what’s best for the player? We felt it was best for him to have the day off. So, hopefully he’ll be trending toward being able to play this week.”
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, the 34-year-old is upbeat about his chances of returning for this weekend’s game.
“Definitely heading in the right direction,” Joseph said. “I haven’t missed but an average of a game a year for 13 years. So any time I miss a game it’s always tough, but I have to be smart. They have to kind of keep me away from my own self sometimes.”
WR Coutee could be back
Five weeks of rehabilitating a chronic hamstring injury could finally lead to Texans rookie wide receiver Keke Coutee returning in time for the playoffs.
The fourth-round draft pick from Texas Tech has been limited in practice for weeks as he tries to manage his third hamstring injury of the season. Because of the injury, Coutee has only played in six games with two starts. He has 28 receptions for 287 yards and one touchdown.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien hasn’t ruled out Coutee potentially playing Saturday.
“Definitely, I think he’s trending that way,” O’Brien said. “I think there’s a shot. We have to see how he looks in practice on a day-to-day basis, but there’s a shot there.”
Cal McNair receives ball
When the Texans won the AFC South title Sunday, coach Bill O’Brien awarded the game ball to chairman and chief operating officer Cal McNair.
The son of late Texans owner and founder Bob McNair, Cal was emotional as he accepted the football from O’Brien.
“Very special,” O’Brien said. “I think it means a lot that Cal and Bob have supported us so much. Then, obviously the passing of Bob was a tough day, a tough deal for this organization. So, to be able to give the game ball — you look at what’s happening today, coaches are getting fired. This is a bottom-line business. They’ve stuck with us here, and we appreciate that.
Team knows 2019 foes
With the regular season complete, the Texans’ opponents for 2019 are set by the league’s formula.
Besides their annual divisional home schedule against Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Tennessee, the Texans have home games against Denver, Oakland, New England, Atlanta and Carolina.
Their away games are against Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore, New Orleans and Tampa Bay as well as the three division opponents.
The Texans are matched against the AFC West, NFC South and the other AFC division champions (New England and Baltimore).