The Houston Texans may have already got the win against the Kansas City Chiefs, their upcoming divisional playoff opponent, in their home venue, Arrowhead Stadium. However, don’t assume it will be the same 31-24 win Texans fans relished from Week 6.
The Texans and Chiefs of today are quite simply not the same sides they were on Oct. 13.
Texans’ additions
First off, Deshaun Watson’s offense was without both wide receiver Kenny Stills and second-year tight end Jordan Thomas. While the latter will likely see little game time come to the divisional matchup, Stills has shown himself to be a reliable and unpredictable target throughout the course of the season.
The former Miami Dolphin already has four receptions for 46 yards this postseason, and with fellow receiver Will Fuller possibly back this week, the fully stocked receiver corps could be hard for the Chiefs to control.
The biggest changes from Houston’s point of view between today and last October is their revamped secondary. While they are now without starting safety Tashaun Gipson, who notched an interception against quarterback Patrick Mahomes, they have stabilized and upgraded their cornerback group considerably since Week 6.
Due to injuries both prior to and during their eventual victory in Kansas, the Texans were left with free agent Philip Gaines and rookies Lonnie Johnson and Xavier Crawford to take much of the brunt of Mahomes’ notorious canon-esque right arm. This time around it will be down to former first-round picks Bradley Roby, Gareon Conley, and Vernon Hargreaves, as well as veteran Johnathan Joseph, assuming he is healthy.
Chiefs making changes
From the Chiefs’ point of view things have also improved significantly. Not only is Patrick Mahomes no longer an injury concern, but their offensive line is back to full strength thanks to the return of left tackle Eric Fisher who missed their previous matchup.
However, it isn’t just the old guard who may make the difference. As Charles Goldman wrote for the Chiefs Wire, other free agency pickups have made their presence known of late.
The front office added a powerful run-stuffing DT in Mike Pennel and a veteran OL in Stefen Wisniewski. Their defensive line rotation has become much more successful with Pennel in the mix. Wisniewski has filled in for an injured LG Andrew Wylie and provides depth at three positions on the offensive interior.
And let us not forget the addition of veteran defensive lineman and likely future Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs. The 37-year old former All-Pro notched his first sack for the Chiefs in Week 17 and will be keen to show he still has what it takes to silence father time.
It’s now or never
Andy Reid’s side is not only fresher, coming off of a bye week, but are still riding the wave of a six-game winning streak with a thankfully now two-legged quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Texans are in good shape. Their bodies may have a few more aches and pains this week, but with Fuller set to return, J.J. Watt looking healthy, and an improved secondary on their side they stand as good a chance as they’re likely to have to finally make it to their first-ever conference championship game.
