2 players to look at for Texans-Saints game and my 1 prediction

Good afternoon guys. Today, in my post I will be looking at two players that are going to be crucial to the Saints game this Sunday and giving my prediction on how the Texans will fare this week in New Orleans. I am looking at two young players, both second year players who were rivals in college: running back Ben Tate and cornerback Kareem Jackson.

1- Ben Tate
When Foster went down with his hamstring injury in the preseason for the second time, it was expected that Derrick Ward, the former 1,000 yard rusher would take the load and have to carry the team while Foster was on the sideline. However, Ward severely sprained his ankle in the first game of the year against Indy, which meant that rookie Ben Tate was thrust into the number 1 tailback position. What did Tate do? He ran for over 100 yards in his first two career games. Only 11 running backs have done that all time. Can he keep up the consistency and go over the century mark again? With Foster still reeling from his latest injury snafu, Tate has to be ready and shine for the Texans as a pass-heavy offense is not going to get the job done against the Saints.

2- Kareem Jackson
Kareem Jackson held his own against the Dolphins and Colts wide receivers in the first two games this season but those were against much less respected quarterbacks in old veteran Kerry Collins and the inconsistent Chad Henne. This time around, 2010 Superbowl MVP Drew Brees is on the other side of the ball and even though number 1 wide receiver Marques Colston is out, he has a lot of talented wide receivers at his disposal.  If Jackson is really over his rookie troubles, he needs to play well in this game or he will be bumped for veteran Jason Allen. The Texans need Jackson to play strong opposite all-pro corner Jonathan Joseph. It is not only crucial for this week's game, but it is crucial for the rest of the season.

My 1 prediction
The first two games were solid, well-executed wins for the Texans, but now this is the big time: a road game against the 2010 Superbowl Champions. I think the Texans have come a long way this past offseason in terms of rebuilding the defense and they will push the Saints, but at this point, this task might be too much to ask for the Texans. The defense has looked good the first two games, but I think Drew Brees is going to have his way with them. I see this being a shootout as Schaub and Tate keep the offense rolling, but in the end too much Brees and Saints in the dome, 30-20.



If you are interested in reading more about the Saints-Texans, go to John McClain's blog on the Houston Chronicle online
http://blog.chron.com/nfl/